Integrated Fractionation Device with Repositionable Outlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fractionation devices for particulate-containing liquids are complex and inefficient, requiring manual handling of multiple containers and lack a hermetic seal, making them unsuitable for rapid and precise separation processes, especially in biological investigations.
Innovation Solution
A compact fractionation device with a distribution system integrated into a common housing allows for selective repositioning of the outlet, enabling controlled and automated liquid transfer between containers, and can be connected to any separation apparatus, providing a hermetically sealed environment and reducing the complexity of the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filter modules are used for multistage separation, then separation capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filter modules into a single integrated filter unit with a common housing. The distribution system is integrated into this housing, allowing multiple separation stages to be performed within one device rather than requiring separate manual handling of multiple containers and filter modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution system serves multiple functions: it distributes liquid to different collection containers, collects liquid from the filter unit, and enables hermetic sealing. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate specialized components for each function.
2Device complexity
If manual pipetting is used for fraction collection, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and time efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated fraction collection where the distribution system automatically directs liquid flow to appropriate collection containers based on the separation stage. This eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If containers are positioned under the filter outlet for collection, then fractionation is simplified, but hermetic sealing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution system is integrated into the filter unit housing, creating a unified structure where the liquid path from filter to collection container can be hermetically sealed. This integration allows the system to maintain both operational simplicity and hermetic sealing capability.
4Manufacturing precision
If washing processes and additional preparation steps are added, then ingredient purity is improved, but process complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous multi-stage separation and washing processes within a single integrated device. Liquid can flow continuously through different filter modules and collection containers without manual intervention, maintaining high purity while reducing process complexity.
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 rapid and efficient fractionation with reduced space requirements, allowing for flexible operation and easy cleaning, and supports various separation methods, including filtration and chromatography, while maintaining the purity of sensitive liquids.
Implementation Method 1
This generally occurs using mechanical processes such as precipitation, filters, and centrifugation
Implementation Method 2
This generally occurs using mechanical processes such as precipitation, filters, and centrifugation
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a device and a method for fractionating particle-containing liquids. The device comprises at least one separation apparatus and at least one collection apparatus. The collection apparatus has at least two containers and the outlet of the at least one separation apparatus opens into a distribution system that has a repositionable outlet that can be oriented selectively toward the input opening of the containers. The distribution system adds the liquid to the at least two containers of the collection device in a controlled manner as a function of event or time.