Sample Concentrator with Filter and Back-Flush Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting microorganisms in samples are laborious and time-consuming, lacking efficient devices for simultaneous processing of multiple samples, which hinders rapid detection.
Innovation Solution
A sample preparation device comprising a hollow body with a filter element and a closure that allows for a two-step process of filtering and back-flushing, concentrating microorganisms while reducing impurities, enabling efficient detection through a fluid pathway and chamber configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pre-treatment methods are used to concentrate microorganisms and remove impurities, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the pre-treatment process into distinct functional zones: a filtration zone with a filter element that separates microorganisms from impurities, and a concentration zone where collected microorganisms are concentrated in a minimal volume. This segmentation enables simultaneous filtration and concentration in a single rapid step, improving detection accuracy while reducing processing time from hours to minutes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary concentration and purification of microorganisms before the actual detection step. By pre-concentrating microorganisms onto the filter element and then back-flushing them into a small volume, the detection phase starts with already-prepared samples, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual concentration steps during detection and significantly reducing overall processing time.
2Quantity of substance
If manual pre-treatment steps are performed to prepare samples for detection, then microorganism concentration is improved, but labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service sample preparation through its automated filtration and back-flush mechanism. The filter element automatically concentrates microorganisms from the sample as liquid passes through it, and the back-flush mechanism automatically retrieves and concentrates the microorganisms into a small volume without requiring manual manipulation. This eliminates the need for labor-intensive manual concentration steps while achieving high microorganism concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges multiple pre-treatment functions (filtration, concentration, and retrieval of microorganisms) into a single integrated cartridge system. The filter element and collection chamber work together as one unit, combining what would traditionally require separate manual operations into a single automated process, thereby reducing labor requirements while maintaining effective microorganism concentration.
3Reliability
If multiple samples are processed sequentially using traditional methods, then each sample receives adequate pre-treatment, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the processing system into independent, identical cartridges that can be processed in parallel. Each cartridge is a self-contained unit with its own filter element and collection chamber, allowing multiple samples to be processed simultaneously without interfering with each other's pre-treatment quality. This segmentation enables high productivity while maintaining reliable pre-treatment for each sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge design is universal and can handle multiple different sample types (food, beverage, clinical samples) using the same basic mechanism. The filter element and back-flush system work identically for all sample types, allowing the system to process multiple samples with different requirements simultaneously while maintaining consistent pre-treatment quality across all samples, thereby increasing overall productivity.
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
This method allows for rapid and efficient detection of microorganisms by concentrating them and reducing impurities, facilitating various detection methods, including nucleic acid detection, and can process multiple samples simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
a filter element operatively interposed in the fluid pathway
Implementation Method 2
urging the outlet into a chamber configured to sealingly receive the outlet, the chamber containing a back-flush liquid; and analyzing a portion of the back-flush liquid
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an assembly for preparing a sample for analysis. The assembly comprises a hollow body comprising first opening, an outlet with a second opening, and a fluid pathway extending therebetween; a filter element operatively interposed in the fluid pathway; and a closure comprising a third opening and a chamber, the closure being slideably engaged with the outlet. The chamber and the outlet are dimensioned so that the outlet is sealingly engaged with the chamber. A method of using the assembly to detect a microorganism is also provided.