Sample Concentration Device Using Permeable Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing biological and environmental samples are limited by the concentration and stability of the samples, particularly in remote or resource-limited environments where refrigeration and advanced equipment are not available, leading to potential false-negative diagnostic results due to sample degradation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a sample reservoir and an active reservoir connected by a permeable membrane, where the active reservoir contains a water-binding material to concentrate samples without the need for additional equipment or power, allowing for controlled concentration and stabilization of samples for later analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If refrigeration is used to preserve samples, then sample stability is improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the water component from the sample using a permeable membrane and water-binding material, separating the stabilizing function (concentration) from the destabilizing factor (water content that promotes degradation). This eliminates the need for refrigeration equipment while achieving sample stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the concentration parameter of the sample by removing water through the permeable membrane. As water is drawn into the water-binding material, the sample concentration increases and stability improves, providing a parameter-based solution without requiring temperature control.
2Stability of the object's composition
If refrigeration is used to preserve samples, then sample stability is improved, but power source requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The water-binding material in the active reservoir automatically absorbs water from the sample through the permeable membrane without requiring external power. The system is self-driven by the chemical affinity of the water-binding material, eliminating all power source requirements while maintaining sample stability.
3Device complexity
If manual concentration methods are used, then equipment requirements are reduced, but concentration efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The permeable membrane acts as an intermediary between the sample reservoir and active reservoir, enabling efficient water transfer without mechanical intervention. The membrane facilitates rapid water movement driven by the water-binding material, achieving high concentration efficiency with minimal equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The permeable membrane provides a porous pathway for water to pass from the sample to the water-binding material. This porous structure enables rapid and efficient water removal while maintaining a simple device design with no moving parts or complex mechanisms.
4Measurement precision
If sample concentration is increased, then analytical sensitivity is improved, but sample volume decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides dynamic control over the concentration process by allowing adjustment of the water-binding material quantity and membrane surface area. Users can optimize the balance between concentration factor and remaining sample volume based on specific analytical requirements, making the system adaptable to different sensitivity needs.
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 effectively concentrates and stabilizes samples, enabling reliable analysis even in remote locations by selectively drawing water through a permeable membrane, maintaining sample integrity and preventing bacterial growth, thus providing high-confidence diagnostic results.
Implementation Method 1
a permeable membrane covering an orifice therebetween
Implementation Method 2
water removed from the sample placed in the sample reservoir
Implementation Method 3
an active reservoir configured to include a water binding agent or material and accept water removed from the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A device for concentrating and preserving samples for subsequent analysis, wherein the samples include but are not limited to, biological samples, environmental samples, industrial samples, and the like. The present disclosure further includes a method for utilizing the device for containment, concentration, and preservation of the sample until analysis can take place. The disclosed device is simple to operate and can function without auxiliary equipment and/or sources of power making it particularly suitable for use in locations distanced and isolated from analytical facilities.