Mixing Apparatus with Filter Paper for Urine Sample Enrichment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analysis systems, such as those described in Japanese Patent No. 4053081, do not adequately perform the pretreatment process of mixing samples with solid treatment agents within a cartridge, leading to insufficient enrichment of components like heavy metals in urine samples, which are difficult to analyze due to their low concentration.
Innovation Solution
A mixing apparatus with a mixing container, a filtering member, and a removable shielding portion that allows for the selection between two receiving states, enabling proper mixing and enrichment of samples within the apparatus before analysis, utilizing a filtering member to retain and separate components effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a disposable cartridge is used for analysis, then the analysis system becomes simpler and more convenient, but the pretreatment process of mixing samples with solid treatment agents cannot be properly performed, leading to insufficient enrichment of components
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing apparatus is divided into distinct functional sections: a mixing container for sample-treatment agent mixing, a filtering member for separation, and a receiving portion for collected liquid. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, enabling proper pretreatment while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A filtering member is introduced as an intermediary component between the mixing container and the receiving portion. This filtering member enables the separation and collection of treated liquid from the mixing process, facilitating proper pretreatment of samples while maintaining the simplicity of the cartridge-based system.
2Measurement precision
If mixing is performed outside the cartridge before analysis, then the mixing process can be completed, but additional equipment and steps are required, increasing the complexity of the overall process
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing container, filtering member, and receiving portion are combined into a single integrated cartridge unit. This merging allows the mixing and separation processes to be performed within the same device, eliminating the need for separate external equipment and simplifying the overall process while ensuring proper mixing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the mixing container for sample-treatment agent combination, as the filtering member for liquid separation, and as the receiving portion for collected liquid. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional external equipment, reducing overall process complexity while maintaining mixing quality.
3Measurement precision
If a filtering member is used to retain and separate components, then the separation efficiency improves, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering member is strategically positioned at a specific location within the cartridge where liquid flow occurs. This localized application of filtration provides effective component separation without requiring complex structures throughout the entire apparatus, maintaining simplicity while improving separation efficiency.
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 apparatus effectively performs pretreatment by allowing for the proper mixing and enrichment of heavy metals in urine samples, ensuring accurate analysis by switching between states to manage liquids and facilitate analysis without the need for additional equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a retaining portion, constituted by a filtering member covering the discharge port
Implementation Method 2
an absorption member for absorbing and retaining the first liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A mixing apparatus (101; 102) includes: a mixing container (400) with a discharge port (415) for discharging mixed liquid; a filter paper (502) covering the discharge port to temporarily retain the liquid; a receiving unit (700) with a waste liquid collecting portion (710) for receiving a first liquid discharged from the discharge port through the filter paper, and a measuring portion (720) for receiving a second liquid subjected to treatment different from treatment for the first liquid; and an operation portion (800) for enabling selection between a first receiving state in which the waste liquid collecting portion receives the first liquid and a second receiving state in which the measuring portion receives the second liquid, and also for controlling the movement of the first liquid or the second liquid.