Filtration Assembly With Elastic Reservoir Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining microorganisms in fluids require manual handling and transfer of filter elements, which can be cumbersome and increase the risk of contamination.
Innovation Solution
A filtration assembly with a sample reservoir, a porous microorganism-capturing filter element, and an absorbent pad, where the filter element is releasably retained by inwardly facing arms and can be easily transferred to an incubation plate without manual handling, utilizing a detachable base and elastic side walls to release the filter element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling and transfer of filter elements is used, then the filtration process can be completed, but the risk of contamination increases and the process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the arms integrated with the reservoir) that facilitates the transfer of the filter element without requiring direct manual handling. The arms act as a mediator between the filtration system and the incubation plate, enabling touchless transfer and reducing contamination risk while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the filter element retention function with the reservoir structure by integrating arms directly into the reservoir body. This combination eliminates the need for separate handling tools or procedures, reducing contamination risk while simplifying the overall operation process.
2Productivity
If the filter element is tightly retained during filtration, then filtration efficiency is maintained, but transfer and handling become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic retention mechanism where the arms can be in different states during different phases of operation. During filtration, the arms maintain tight retention of the filter element for efficient filtration. During transfer, the arms can be repositioned or released to facilitate easy movement, thus achieving both filtration efficiency and transfer ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism is segmented into multiple arms that can independently adjust or be collectively repositioned. This segmentation allows the filter element to be securely held during filtration while enabling controlled release or transfer during the transfer phase, balancing filtration efficiency with operational ease.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables touchless transfer and handling of the filter element after filtration, minimizing operator contact and potential contamination, while allowing for efficient microbial testing and incubation.
Implementation Method 1
a porous microorganism-capturing filter element disposed across a flow path between the sample reservoir and the fluid port
Implementation Method 2
an absorbent pad arranged below the porous microorganism-capturing filtration element and the at least two inwardly facing arms, disposed across the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A filtration assembly is provided, comprising a reservoir for holding a sample to be filtered, the reservoir having open top and bottom ends, and inwardly facing arms arranged at the bottom end, the reservoir having an elastic side wall; a fluid port in fluid communication with the reservoir; a porous microorganism-capturing filter element disposed across a flow path between the reservoir and the port, the filter element being releasably retained by the inwardly facing arms; an absorbent pad arranged below the filtration element and the inwardly facing arms, disposed across the flow path between the reservoir and the port; a base detachably mounted to the reservoir, the base including the port, and a support surface for supporting the pad; wherein compressing the elastic side wall releases the filter element from the inwardly facing arms after the base is detached from the reservoir.