Rotating Filter Module Layout for Compact Sample Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample collectors require excessive space when connected in series, making operations inconvenient due to the need for users to move back and forth to access individual receiving units.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable filter design featuring a base unit, rotating unit, and external unit, allowing for a rotatable cover with filtering modules that can be accessed from a fixed position, reducing the need for physical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple sample collectors are connected in series to increase processing capacity, then the processing amount is improved, but the space required and operational convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sample collector is divided into multiple independent receiving units (first receiving unit, second receiving unit, etc.) that can be selectively activated. Each receiving unit has its own filter funnel and collecting space, allowing parallel processing of multiple samples simultaneously without requiring series connection of multiple separate collectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear series arrangement to a radial/dimensional arrangement where multiple receiving units are positioned around a central axis. The rotating cover with receiving slots allows access to different receiving units from a fixed position, effectively utilizing spatial dimensions to reduce the footprint while maintaining high processing capacity.
2Productivity
If multiple sample collectors are connected in series to increase processing capacity, then the processing amount is improved, but operational convenience deteriorates due to user movement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple receiving units are merged into a single integrated sample collector body with a common rotating cover. This allows users to access and operate multiple receiving units (first receiving unit, second receiving unit, etc.) from a fixed position without moving between separate devices, significantly improving operational convenience while maintaining high processing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating cover with receiving slots provides dynamic access to different receiving units. Users can rotate the cover to bring different receiving units into the operational position, allowing flexible access to multiple samples without physical movement. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction between high processing capacity and ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If a fixed arrangement of receiving units is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating cover with receiving slots introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the system. While the basic structure remains simple, the rotating mechanism allows the same device to adapt to different processing needs by bringing different receiving units into position. This maintains low device complexity while significantly improving adaptability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The single integrated sample collector with multiple receiving units and rotating cover serves multiple functions simultaneously. The same device can handle multiple samples in parallel, accommodate different sample types through the rotating access mechanism, and maintain a compact form factor, thereby achieving high adaptability without increasing device complexity.
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
Enhances operational efficiency and convenience by enabling users to access all filtering modules without changing position, optimizing space utilization and user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating disc that is mounted on the seat and that has a rotating part which is rotatable relative to the seat
Implementation Method 2
one of the ports 102 of the main pipe 112 is connected to a vacuum suction device (not shown) and the receiving seat 122 of each of the receiving units 12 is adapted to accommodate a filter funnel 20, so that the sample, which may be in fluid form, in the filter funnels 20 is drawn to a collecting space
Data Source
AI summary
A rotatable filter includes a base unit, a rotating unit and an external unit. The base unit includes a seat having a through hole, and a container disposed on the seat, corresponding in position to the through hole and having a drainage space. The rotating unit is disposed on the base unit and includes a rotating disc mounted on the seat and having a rotating part that is rotatable relative to the seat, a converging seat connected to the rotating part and having a collecting space that is in fluid communication with the drainage space, a plurality of guiding pipes extending into the converging seat, and a plurality of valve seats respectively disposed on the guiding pipes. The external unit is connected to the rotating unit and includes a rotating cover disposed above the seat, and a plurality of filtering modules disposed on the rotating cover.