Disposable Polymer Filtering Kit with Reusable Glass Adapter

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vacuum filtration kits in laboratories are prone to breakage and require time-consuming cleaning, with glass components being expensive and difficult to clean by hand, especially when used for small-scale filtration.

Innovation Solution

A disposable polymer-structured filtering kit comprising a disposable polymer funnel with a fritted filter disc and a reusable glass adapter that prevents contamination and eliminates the need for cleaning, allowing for efficient and safe disposal of the funnel after use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If glass components are used in vacuum filtration kits, then durability and reusability are improved, but cleaning time increases and breakage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereusabilityVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration system is divided into two segments: disposable polymer components (funnel, fritted disc) and reusable glass components (adapter, receptacle). This segmentation allows the disposable parts to be discarded after use without cleaning, while only the reusable parts need to be cleaned and maintained

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs disposable polymer funnels and fritted discs that are inexpensive and designed for single-use. These components are discarded after one filtration cycle, eliminating the need for cleaning and reducing breakage risks associated with repeated use and cleaning of glass components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Strength

If glass components are used in vacuum filtration kits, then durability is improved, but risk of breakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidbreakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable polymer funnels and fritted discs that are inexpensive and designed for single-use. These components are discarded after one filtration cycle, eliminating the need for cleaning and reducing breakage risks associated with repeated use and cleaning of glass components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines polymer materials for disposable components with glass materials for reusable components. The polymer components provide sufficient strength for single-use applications while being more resistant to breakage during handling and disposal compared to glass

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If complex cleaning procedures are required, then contamination is eliminated, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecontaminationVSAvoidfiltration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable polymer funnels and fritted discs that are inexpensive and designed for single-use. These components are discarded after one filtration cycle, eliminating the need for cleaning and reducing breakage risks associated with repeated use and cleaning of glass components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The disposable polymer components are extracted from the reusable glass system, isolating the parts that come into contact with contaminants. This allows the reusable components to remain clean without requiring frequent cleaning, thereby maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 kit provides a cost-effective, time-saving solution for small-scale vacuum filtration by using disposable polymer components that prevent contamination and reduce the risk of breakage, while the reusable adapter maintains cleanliness and extends its lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

A fritted filter disc is positioned in the funnel, providing filtering for liquids passing therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

Negative pressure from the vacuum is applied to the vacuum take-off port. The pressure differential caused by the vacuum causes the fluid to pass through the filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2523739B1Disposable polymer-structured filtering kit

Publication Date: 2020.04.08 CAI JIANJIAN

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AI summary

The disposable polymer-structured filtering kit (100) includes a disposable, polymer-structured filtering funnel (110) with a stem (115) having a distal tip (116). Preferably, a polymer fritted filter disc (119) is positioned in the funnel (110), providing filtering for liquids passing therethrough. The kit (100) preferably also includes a glass vacuum take-off adapter (112) having a port (120) for connecting to a vacuum source for providing negative pressure. The adapter (112) securely and snuggly receives the funnel (110) and maintains position of the distal tip (116) thereof with a flow discharge end thereof positioned below the port (120), thus preventing contaminants from entering the adapter (112). A reusable, glass round bottle flask (114) or a disposable vial (214) receives the adapter (112) and the stem (115) of the funnel (110). The funnel (110) and fritted disc (119) are formed from disposable materials, thus removing the necessity of cleaning them following use.