Membrane Separation Device with Ramps for Microbiology
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Solution Overview
Problem
The separation of a membrane from its support in microbiological testing is challenging due to adhesive forces, leading to membrane deterioration and uneven force distribution, especially after incubation at elevated temperatures, which complicates further analysis.
Innovation Solution
A device with a longitudinal recess and ramps facilitates uniform force distribution for easy separation of the membrane from the support, utilizing a shuttle and clamping mechanism to maintain frame stiffness and guide the support for safe ejection, reducing the risk of membrane damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual traction forces are applied to separate the membrane from the support, then separation is achieved, but the membrane deteriorates due to uneven force distribution and tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separation device as an intermediary tool between the operator and the membrane-support assembly. This device includes a frame with separation elements that interface with the membrane frame, allowing forces to be distributed uniformly across the membrane surface during separation, thereby preventing tearing while facilitating easy separation operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the separation process by using a device that distributes separation forces uniformly across the membrane surface. The device includes features such as separation ramps and bearing surfaces that control the distribution and direction of applied forces, changing the force distribution parameter from concentrated manual traction to uniform distributed loading
2Ease of manufacture
If the frame is made flexible for mounting, then the membrane can be easily attached to the support, but the frame loses stiffness after incubation making separation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing bearing means in advance within the separation device that support the frame during the separation operation. These bearing surfaces are positioned to contact the frame before separation begins, maintaining frame stiffness and structural integrity throughout the separation process despite the frame's inherent flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The separation device combines multiple functional elements including bearing surfaces, separation ramps, and gripping members in a composite structure. This composite design integrates both the flexibility needed for mounting and the stiffness required for separation by distributing mechanical loads through different structural components
3Stability of the object's composition
If high adhesive forces exist between membrane and support, then the membrane remains stable during incubation, but separation becomes difficult and causes membrane damage
Solution Approach 1:
The separation device acts as an intermediary system that mediates between the stable membrane-support assembly during incubation and the separation operation. The device includes separation ramps and bearing surfaces that gradually overcome adhesive forces through distributed mechanical action, allowing stable incubation followed by controlled separation without direct manual manipulation
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 device enables reliable and efficient separation of the membrane from the support without tearing, improving analysis reliability and minimizing contamination risks, while maintaining the membrane's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the ramps being adapted to separate the support from the frame during said translational movement by bearing on said gripping member of the second member of the frame/support group
Implementation Method 2
it is necessary to apply antagonistic traction forces by hand on the frame and on the support in order to separate them
Implementation Method 3
The adhesive forces existing between the surface of the membrane and the content of the support resist that separation
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1, 100) for separating a membrane (81, 91) to analyze from a support (83, 93), the membrane being mounted in a frame (82, 92), itself mounted on a support, having a body (10) comprising a longitudinal recess (11, 110, 120) for translational reception of the assembly constituted by the frame mounted on the support, the recess having a first end (12) and a second end (13) and longitudinal sides (14A, 14B, 111, 121) facing each other between said two ends, the device having bearing means (30, 112, 122) for a first member of the frame/support group between the first and the second end of the recess, which are adapted to serve as a bearing for the first member of the frame/support group once the assembly is disposed in the recess, each of the sides having a ramp (15A, 15B, 112, 122) adapted to engage a gripping member (84, 73) of the second member of the frame/support group when the assembly is translationally moved from the first to the second end, said ramps being adapted to separate the support from the frame during said translational movement by bearing on said gripping member of the second member of the frame/support group, the first member of the frame/support group then bearing on the bearing means, such that the frame and the support are separated once the translational movement has arrived at the second end.