Filtration Testing Device With Handle-Integrated Filter Cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing biological particulates in fluids, such as bacteria and viruses, face challenges in efficiency, contamination risk, and sensitivity, particularly in handling and processing filters used in filtration systems.
Innovation Solution
A filter unit with a tubular filter cartridge and handle design that allows for easy insertion and removal from a filtration chamber, reducing contamination risk and enabling efficient filtration and transport of biological particulates, along with an occluder to minimize liquid medium volume and enhance sensitivity in subsequent testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filter is directly handled by hand or forceps for removal and transport, then the handling process becomes simple, but contamination risk increases and the filter may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The support shell acts as an intermediary between the filter and the user's hand/forceps. Users handle the support shell rather than directly touching the filter, preventing contamination of the filter surface while maintaining ease of handling. The support shell is specifically designed to be grippable while the filter remains protected within the cartridge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering system is segmented into distinct components: the filter element and the support shell/cartridge structure. This segmentation allows the filter to be protected within its own structural housing, enabling safe handling and transport without direct contact with the fragile filter medium.
2Productivity
If the filter cartridge is designed for easy removal from the filtration chamber, then handling efficiency improves, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge incorporates a flexible membrane at its distal end that can deform under pressure. This dynamic feature allows the cartridge to be easily inserted and removed from the filtration chamber by applying pressure to expand the membrane, creating space for passage while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end of the filter cartridge uses a flexible membrane structure that can expand and contract. This thin film approach allows for simple insertion and removal operations without requiring complex mechanical release mechanisms, balancing ease of operation with structural simplicity.
3Reliability
If a large volume of liquid medium is used for transport, then the filter is adequately protected, but the sensitivity of subsequent testing decreases due to dilution
Solution Approach 1:
The occluder is designed to partially occlude the internal space of the filter cartridge, not completely seal it. This partial occlusion provides adequate protection for the filter during transport while minimizing the volume of liquid medium required, thereby maintaining detection sensitivity. The occluder creates just enough barrier function without excessive liquid displacement.
4Quantity of substance
If the filter cartridge internal space is fully utilized for filter material, then filtration capacity increases, but the ability to transport the filter immersed in liquid medium is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter cartridge internal space is segmented into functional zones: a filtration zone containing the filter material and a transport zone created by the occluder. This segmentation allows the filter to maintain adequate filtration capacity while providing a separate space that facilitates easy transport by immersion in liquid medium without requiring complete internal space utilization for filtration material.
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 filter unit reduces contamination risks, simplifies handling, and increases the sensitivity of biological particulate detection by minimizing liquid medium dilution, thereby improving the efficiency of testing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The filter cartridge generally saves time and effort while reducing complications and contamination risk. The shape of the filter cartridge allows easy removal from the filtration chamber, while preventing direct handling of the filter by hand or with forceps
Implementation Method 2
The filter cartridge can be easily removed from the filtration chamber without damaging the filter, which may be fragile, depending on the type of filter
Implementation Method 3
The shape of the filter cartridge also allows easy insertion of the filter into a receptacle for immersion in a liquid medium for transport of the filter
Implementation Method 4
which might lead to contamination of surfaces by the filter, or contamination of the filter itself
Data Source
AI summary
A filter unit (20, 320, 420, 820, 1020) is provided that includes a filtration chamber (30, 330, 430, 830, 1030) and a filter assembly (32, 132, 232, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832, 1032). A filter cartridge (28, 128, 328, 428, 528, 728, 828, 1028) of the filter assembly (32, 132, 232, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832, 1032) includes a support shell (44, 144, 344, 444, 744, 844) and a filter (60, 860) coupled to a support-shell side wall (50, 350, 850) so as to cover support-shell side openings (52, 352, 852). A handle (62, 162, 262, 362, 662, 762, 862, 1062) of the filter assembly (32, 132, 232, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832, 1032) is coupled to a proximal end of the support shell (44, 144, 344, 444, 744, 844). The filter assembly (32, 132, 232, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832, 1032) is partially insertable into the filtration chamber (30, 330, 430, 830, 1030), such that the filter assembly (32, 132, 232, 432, 532, 632, 732, 832, 1032) passes through a filter-assembly opening (40, 840) of the filtration chamber (30, 330, 430, 830, 1030); the handle (62, 162, 262, 362, 662, 762, 862, 1062) is disposed outside the filtration chamber (30, 330, 430, 830, 1030); and the filter cartridge (28, 128, 328, 428, 528, 728, 828, 1028) is disposed within the filtration chamber (30, 330, 430, 830, 1030). The filter (60, 860) is configured to filter biological particulate from a liquid specimen sample (22) when the liquid specimen sample (22) is driven along a fluid flow path (68, 868) while the filter cartridge (28, 128, 328, 428, 528, 728, 828, 1028) is disposed within the filtration chamber (30, 330, 430, 830, 1030). Other embodiments are also described.