Integrated Filter Unit for Biological Sample Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for collecting and processing biological samples, such as fecal material, require excessive handling and reagents, increasing the risk of contamination and sample degradation due to the need for separate specimen jars and transfer devices.

Innovation Solution

A sample collection, filtration, and concentration apparatus with an integrated filter unit coupled to a sample collection tube containing a transport liquid and a processing tube with a processing liquid, eliminating the need for additional reagents and transfer devices by allowing direct sample collection and filtration within a closed system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate specimen jar and transfer device are used to collect and transfer the sample, then the sample collection process is established, but the number of handling steps increases and contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample collection processVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the specimen jar, collection device, and filter unit into a single integrated apparatus. The collection device is coupled to the specimen jar, and the filter unit is coupled to the specimen jar, eliminating the need for separate transfer devices and reducing handling steps while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional reagents are added to the sample for processing, then the sample processing capability is improved, but the possibility of sample degradation and contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample processing capabilityVSAvoidsample integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the processing liquid into a separate processing tube that is coupled to the filter unit. This allows the processing liquid to be added after filtration, reducing the time the sample is exposed to potential contaminants and degradation, while still maintaining the ability to process the sample effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple filter units are used for filtration, then the filtration effectiveness is improved, but the number of handling steps and contamination risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of filter units

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple filtration functions into a single filter unit by incorporating a porous filter member that can remove both large debris and sediments in one step, eliminating the need for multiple separate filter units and reducing handling steps while maintaining filtration effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If the sample is transferred between multiple containers, then the collection and processing steps are completed, but the time required for processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidsample processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a collection device that can be coupled to the specimen jar before sample collection, and the filter unit is pre-coupled to the specimen jar. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for intermediate transfer steps, allowing the sample to flow directly from collection through filtration to processing, significantly reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution reduces sample handling and contamination risks by integrating the filter unit with the sample collection and processing tubes, minimizing the introduction of additional reagents and enhancing the integrity of the biological samples during analysis.

Implementation Method 1

The sample may be filtered from the sample collection tube, through the filter unit and in to the processing tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The sample may be passed through the filter unit and into the collection tube via gravitational force and/or centrifugal force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

The sample may be passed through the filter unit and into the collection tube via gravitational force and/or centrifugal force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10451528B2Collection, filtration and concentration apparatus for biological samples

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 CALIBRESCIENTIFIC AMER IP LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure describes a closed apparatus for collection, filtration and concentration of biological samples, such as fecal material. The sample is collected with an integrated sample collection device which introduces the sample into a transport liquid in a sample collection tube which couples to a filter unit coupled to a processing tube containing a processing liquid. The apparatus may be introduced into a centrifuge for centrifugal filtration.