Membrane Filter Reinforcing Edge Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration units for microbiological analysis require complex designs and additional tools for removing and placing membrane filters into nutrient medium units, leading to inefficiencies and increased handling steps.
Innovation Solution
The membrane filter features a reinforcing edge that can be clamped onto a clamping part of the nutrient medium unit's lid, allowing for easy removal and insertion without additional tools, with the lid serving as a tool for clamping and the nutrient medium unit designed to prevent air bubbles by being convexly cambered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a special removal ring is used to remove the membrane filter, then the membrane filter can be removed and laid down in the nutrient medium unit, but the device complexity increases due to requiring additional specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The lid of the nutrient medium unit is designed to integrate both the removal function and the placement function. The lid includes a lifting edge that engages with the reinforcing edge of the membrane filter to remove it from the filtration unit, and the same lid is then placed onto the nutrient medium unit to hold the membrane filter in position. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid serves multiple functions: it acts as a cover for the nutrient medium unit, a removal tool for the membrane filter (through the lifting edge), and a holding structure for the membrane filter during placement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Ease of operation
If a pouring funnel and membrane carrier are fixed together with ejection devices, then the membrane can be positioned over the nutrient medium unit, but the device complexity increases and additional handling steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lid combines the positioning function with the removal function. The lifting edge on the lid engages with the reinforcing edge to lift the membrane filter, and the same lid structure is then placed onto the nutrient medium unit to position the membrane. This eliminates the need for separate pouring funnel and membrane carrier components with their associated ejection devices.
3Ease of operation
If the membrane filter is clamped to the lid with a clamping part, then the membrane filter can be easily removed and inserted without additional tools, but the lid design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into functional zones: the lifting edge portion that engages with the reinforcing edge for removal, the clamping part with protrusions that engage with recesses in the reinforcing edge for secure holding, and the main lid body that covers the nutrient medium unit. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
4Reliability
If the nutrient medium unit is convexly cambered, then air bubbles are prevented during membrane placement, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom of the nutrient medium unit is given a convex curvature (camber) rather than being completely flat. This curvature allows the membrane filter to be placed smoothly from the center outward, preventing air bubbles from becoming trapped between the membrane and the nutrient medium surface. The curvature is subtle and can be achieved through standard molding techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a filtration unit, comprising a membrane filter that can be disposed on a filter support of a bottom part and an attachment that can be placed on the bottom part, wherein the membrane filter has a reinforcing edge, and wherein the membrane filter can be clamped to a clamping part of a cover of a culture medium unit for removal purposes and introduced into the culture media unit. The invention further relates to a method for the microbiological analysis of liquid samples following a filtration process, wherein after removing an attachment a membrane filter is lifted off a filter support for pouring in the liquid sample and set down on a surface of a culture medium disposed in the bottom part of a culture medium unit, and the bottom part is covered by a cover. The cover is placed on the membrane resting on the filter support such that a clamping part present on the filter support clamps to a reinforcing edge of the membrane. The cover is lifted off the filter support together with the membrane and placed on the bowl-shaped bottom part such that the bottom of the membrane facing away from the cover rests on the top of the nutrient medium facing the cover.