Modular Filtration Frame for Microbiological Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Microbiological testing requires simultaneous or sequential processing of batches under identical conditions, but existing systems lack efficient organization, identification, and handling of filtration assemblies, leading to handling errors and imprecision.
Innovation Solution
A frame with an array of supports and connection means for holding and connecting multiple filtration assemblies, ensuring identical testing conditions and easy identification, along with a testing unit for pre-sterilized frames, facilitates organized handling and reduces errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filtration assemblies are processed individually without a unified holding system, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but handling errors and mixing-up between test groups increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple supports arranged in an array, with each support configured to receive and hold a specific filtration assembly. This segmentation allows individual identification and tracking of each assembly while maintaining organized grouping, thereby reducing handling errors without requiring a completely complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as an intermediary holding system between storage and testing operations. By providing a structured array of supports, it mediates the transition of filtration assemblies through different testing stages while maintaining their organizational integrity and reducing the likelihood of mixing-up between test groups
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple filtration assemblies are held without a unified structure, then device simplicity is maintained, but identical testing conditions cannot be ensured across assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The frame comprises an array of supports where each support is configured to receive and hold a filtration assembly on a common support plane. This segmented structure ensures that each assembly experiences identical environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, airflow) while maintaining structural organization
Solution Approach 2:
All supports in the array are configured identically and arranged to provide a common support plane, ensuring homogeneous testing conditions across all filtration assemblies. This homogeneity guarantees that each assembly undergoes the same testing environment, eliminating variability introduced by different holding positions
3Stability of the object's composition
If frames are connected permanently, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to varying numbers of filtration assemblies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means are designed to be releasable rather than permanent, allowing the frame structure to dynamically adapt between connected and disconnected states. This enables the system to reconfigure based on the number of filtration assemblies being tested while maintaining structural stability when frames are connected
Solution Approach 2:
The frame system is segmented into multiple independent frames that can be connected or disconnected through the releasable connection means. This segmentation provides modular flexibility, allowing the system to accommodate varying numbers of filtration assemblies by connecting only the necessary number of frames
4Productivity
If filtration assemblies are handled without unified identification system, then handling simplicity is maintained, but time-consuming organization and documentation work increases
Solution Approach 1:
The array of supports provides distinct, organized positions for each filtration assembly, creating a systematic identification structure. Each support position can be uniquely identified within the array, enabling quick location and tracking of specific assemblies without requiring additional complex identification systems
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure pre-establishes an organized arrangement of filtration assemblies in an array configuration before testing begins. This preliminary organization eliminates the need for time-consuming documentation and reorganization during the testing process, as assemblies are already positioned and identified in their correct locations
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a frame (1) for holding a plurality of filtration assemblies (100) and a testing unit (10) for microbiological testing. The frame (1) for holding the plurality of filtration assemblies (100) comprises an array of supports (5) each configured to receive and support one of the filtration assemblies (100) on a common support plane (2), and connection means (6) provided on the periphery (7) of the frame (1) and configured to releasably connect, by a form-locking engagement, a further frame (1) such that the common support planes (2) of the connected frames (1) are contiguous. Further, the testing unit (10) comprises at least one frame (1) packed in a bag (20) in pre-sterilized condition.