Integrated Filter Container for Liquid Sample Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration systems for liquid samples are either expensive and slow, such as centrifuge type systems, or cumbersome to maintain and replace, like pressure filtration systems, which can disrupt the analysis process due to blockages.
Innovation Solution
A filtration system comprising a container with a non-porous housing and a porous sheet material filter, integrated with a lock mechanism for secure connection to external equipment like syringe pumps, allowing for efficient filtration without the need for separate filter elements, enhancing the filtration speed and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure filtration systems are used, then filtration can be performed, but the systems are cumbersome to maintain and replace when blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is integrated directly into the container structure, forming a single unified component. The container walls themselves are made of filter material, eliminating the need for separate filter elements that require maintenance and replacement. This merging of container and filter functions resolves the contradiction by making the system maintenance-free while maintaining reliable filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The container with integrated filter is designed as a disposable unit that can be easily replaced when blocked or empty. Instead of maintaining and cleaning complex filter systems, the entire container-filter assembly is discarded and replaced with a fresh one. This approach prioritizes ease of replacement over maintenance, resolving the contradiction in favor of simple replacement procedures.
2Reliability
If centrifuge type filtration systems are used, then filtration is performed, but the systems are expensive and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical centrifuge systems with a simple pressure-driven filtration system. Liquid is forced through the container walls by pressure differential, eliminating the need for expensive and slow centrifugal mechanisms. This substitution maintains effective filtration while dramatically improving speed and reducing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure differential (pneumatic/hydraulic principle) to drive liquid through the filter walls. By applying pressure to the liquid inside the container, filtration occurs rapidly without mechanical moving parts. This approach resolves the contradiction by achieving both effective filtration and high speed through fluid pressure rather than mechanical centrifugation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If filters are located at inlet or in flow path, then interfering particles are prevented, but when filters block liquid flow is adversely affected and they are difficult to unblock or replace
Solution Approach 1:
The filter function is merged with the container structure itself. The container walls are made of filter material, so the container serves both as holding vessel and filtration element. This eliminates separate filters that would need to be accessed, unblocked, or replaced, as the entire container is easily replaceable when blocked.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration function is extracted from separate filter components and embedded directly into the container walls. This extraction of the filter from its traditional separate position and integration into the container structure allows the system to maintain particle prevention while eliminating the operational complexity of maintaining separate filters.
4Reliability
If separate filter elements are used with analysis instruments, then filtration is performed, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container and filter are merged into a single integrated unit. The container walls themselves provide filtration, eliminating the need for separate filter elements, mounting hardware, seals, and associated components. This merging dramatically reduces system complexity while maintaining the filtration function.
Solution Approach 2:
The container serves multiple functions simultaneously: it holds the liquid sample, provides structural support, and performs filtration through its filter-material walls. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated filter components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable filtration.
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 a reliable and efficient method for filtering liquid samples, reducing the need for external filter elements and minimizing disruptions, while ensuring a gas-tight seal and effective filtration, allowing for faster sample preparation for compositional analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a particulate filter portion for allowing passage of the liquid into the internal container volume
Implementation Method 2
transferring, preferably with the aid of suction caused by a pump connected to the container, liquid through the contacted filter portion
Data Source
AI summary
A filtration system for a liquid comprising a container (2) having an internal container volume (11), a particulate filter portion (10) for allowing passage of the liquid into the internal container volume (11) to forma liquid sample aliquot and a first opening (14) providing access to the internal container volume (11); the filtration system further comprising a non-porous housing (4) configured to provide an internal space (28) for receiving the container (2), the internal space (28) being dimensioned to provide a volume such that the amount left unoccupied by the received container (2) is less than the internal container volume (11).