Freestanding Deformable Liner for Sample Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample preparation methods and devices often result in inconsistent and undesirable outcomes, such as creating particulate debris, being cumbersome to handle, and requiring extensive cleaning and sterilization, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A sample preparation system and method using a freestanding receptacle with a deformable liner that allows for efficient filtering and removal of analytes, reducing contamination risks and simplifying the process by allowing the system to be reused without extensive cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a blender is used to homogenize samples at high speed, then mixing efficiency is improved, but particulate debris is generated requiring extensive cleaning and sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable plastic bag that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilization of the container. This resolves the contradiction by sacrificing the reusability of the container to gain time and reduce cleaning requirements, while still achieving effective sample homogenization through the deformable bag design
2Loss of time
If a plastic bag is used for sample preparation, then cleaning requirements are reduced, but the bag is flexible and cumbersome to handle and not freestanding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the base portion of the plastic bag rigid while keeping the rest of the bag flexible. This allows the bag to be freestanding and easy to position on mixing devices during operation, while maintaining the flexibility needed for sample preparation and the cleaning advantages of plastic bags
3Ease of operation
If a rigid container is used for sample preparation, then handling is simplified, but extensive cleaning and sterilization are required between uses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a hybrid structure where the base of the container is rigid to provide stability and ease of handling, while the upper portion remains flexible like a traditional plastic bag. This local differentiation allows the container to be freestanding and easy to handle without requiring extensive cleaning between uses
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 system provides consistent and efficient sample preparation with reduced contamination and cleaning requirements, facilitating faster analysis and increased productivity.
Implementation Method 1
filtering the liquid composition to form a filtrate that includes the analyte
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for preparing samples for analyte testing. The sample preparation system can include a freestanding receptacle. The method can include providing a liquid composition comprising a source and a diluent, and positioning the liquid composition in a reservoir defined by the freestanding receptacle. The method can further include filtering the liquid composition to form a filtrate comprising an analyte of interest, removing at least a portion of the filtrate from the sample preparation system to form a sample, and analyzing the sample for the analyte of interest.