Integrated Filtration Assembly for Low-Contamination Microbiological Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filtration assemblies for microbiological testing require manual handling steps that can lead to contamination and inconsistent test results due to unprotected filter elements and multiple handling steps, resulting in handling errors and variability between tests.
Innovation Solution
A filtration assembly with a self-supporting membrane support and integrated reservoir and lid device, allowing for snap-fit connections and a drain member, which enables seamless filtration and incubation without manual handling of the filter element, ensuring reproducibility and protection from contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling steps are used to transfer the filter element, then the filter element can be accessed for incubation, but contamination risk increases and handling errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is merged with the reservoir to form an integrated unit. The reservoir serves dual purposes: collecting filtered fluid during filtration and serving as the incubation container afterward. This eliminates the need to separate and manually handle the filter element, thereby reducing contamination risk while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as the fluid collection container during filtration and then becomes the incubation vessel for the filter element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate handling steps and reduces contamination opportunities.
2Ease of operation
If multiple handling steps are used to transfer the filter element, then the filter element can be moved to incubation, but test consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the filter element support structure with the reservoir, the system creates a single integrated unit that moves together through all steps. This eliminates variability introduced by multiple manual transfer operations, ensuring consistent test conditions and reproducible results.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the filter element is exposed during handling, then it can be transferred to incubation, but protection from contamination is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element remains integrated with the reservoir throughout the entire process, eliminating exposure to the external environment during transfer operations. The reservoir acts as a protective enclosure that maintains sterility while allowing the filter element to be accessed for incubation.
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 assembly reduces contamination risks and ensures consistent test conditions by protecting the filter membrane during handling and incubation, improving reproducibility and reducing the risk of errors in microbiological testing.
Implementation Method 1
a filtration membrane (11) capable of capturing microorganisms of interest
Implementation Method 2
a drain member (30) removably and fluid tightly attachable to the membrane support (10) to define a drain channel space (13) adjacent to the filtration membrane (11)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention concerns a filtration assembly for microbiological testing and a method of using the filtration assembly for that purpose. The filtration assembly (1) comprises a ring-like membrane support (10) holding a filtration membrane (11), a cylindrical reservoir (20) of which opposite axial ends have openings and one axial opening is removably and fluid-tightly attachable to the membrane support (10) to define a sample volume adjacent to the filtration membrane (11) on one axial side of the membrane support (10); and a lid device (40) removably and fluid tightly attachable to the other axial opening of the reservoir (20) to close the opening. Further, the lid device (40) is removably and fluid tightly attachable to the membrane support (10) so as to seal the one axial side of the membrane support (10) from the environment.