Filtration Sampling Device for Biological Particulate Concentration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing biological liquids for bacteria and viruses, such as influenza, are inefficient in concentrating and detecting biological particulates, particularly in providing a user-friendly and effective sampling device for diagnostic purposes.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising an extraction or transport tube, a filter, and a liquid for bathing the filter, along with a filter shaft for inserting the filter into the tube, and a diagnostic test for detecting target analytes released from trapped biological particulates, utilizing a lateral flow test strip and a sampling device with a filtration assembly for concentrating liquid specimens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional filtration methods are used for biological liquids, then the filtration process is simple, but the concentration and detection efficiency of biological particulates is low
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration device is divided into multiple functional segments: a filtration assembly with filter, a separate concentration mechanism with movable wall, and a detection component. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system efficiency for concentrating and detecting biological particulates.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is positioned within the filtration assembly, and the concentration mechanism's movable wall contains the filter assembly. This nested structure enables compact integration of multiple functions (filtration, concentration, detection) in a space-efficient manner, improving productivity without excessive complexity.
2Measurement precision
If complex concentration mechanisms are introduced to improve detection accuracy, then the detection precision improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The concentration mechanism employs a movable wall that can dynamically adjust its position between retracted and extended states. This dynamic structure allows the device to automatically concentrate particulates when needed while maintaining ease of operation, as the movement is driven by simple actuation rather than complex manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration and concentration system is designed to automatically concentrate biological particulates as the liquid passes through the filter and the movable wall adjusts. This self-concentrating mechanism reduces the need for complex user operations while maintaining high detection accuracy, making the device both precise and user-friendly.
3Manufacturing precision
If filtration and concentration are performed in separate steps, then each step can be optimized, but the overall processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration assembly and concentration mechanism are merged into a single integrated device. As the liquid sample passes through the filter, the movable wall simultaneously concentrates the trapped particulates. This merging of filtration and concentration steps into one continuous process maintains high filtration quality while significantly reducing the overall processing time compared to separate sequential operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables continuous operation where filtration and concentration occur simultaneously in an uninterrupted flow. The movable wall continuously adjusts to maintain optimal concentration while the filter continuously processes the liquid sample, eliminating idle time between steps and maintaining both quality and speed.
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
The solution enables efficient trapping and detection of biological particulates, facilitating rapid and accurate diagnostic testing through effective filtration and sample concentration, enhancing the reliability of disease diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
passing at least a portion of a liquid specimen sample through a filter so as to trap a biological particulate present in the liquid specimen
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a lateral flow test strip
Data Source
AI summary
A kit is provided that includes an extraction tube or a transport tube; a filter, a liquid for bathing the filter within the tube; and a filter shaft. The filter shaft includes a distal portion that is coupled to a central portion of the filter. The filter shaft is configured to insert the filter into the tube for bathing the filter in the liquid. Other embodiments are also described.