Sample Probe Cap-Filter Base Assemblage for Dissolution Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample probes for dissolution testing face issues with filter clogging and difficulty in replacing in-line filters, leading to inaccurate readings and increased turbulence in the testing medium.
Innovation Solution
A sample probe design featuring a cap-filter-base assemblage with a cylindrical filter and projection, allowing for easy access and removal of the filter, and a secure locking mechanism to prevent leakage, which reduces clogging and turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an in-line filter is used in the sample probe, then particles are trapped and prevented from contaminating the sample, but the filter is prone to clogging and must be removed periodically for cleaning or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The sample probe is divided into separable components: a reusable body and a disposable filter assembly. The filter can be easily detached from the probe body by simply pulling it outward, allowing quick replacement without disassembling the entire probe. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by making the filter replacement process simple and rapid while maintaining effective particle trapping during sampling.
2Extent of automation
If a stationary sample probe with cannula is used, then automated sampling is achieved, but the cannula creates turbulence in the vessel during agitation
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is extracted from the stationary probe structure and replaced with a flexible sampling tube that can be inserted only when needed. The flexible tube is fed through a hole in the vessel cover, allowing automated sampling without a permanent rigid cannula that would continuously disrupt the agitation. This extraction eliminates the harmful turbulence while preserving automated sampling capability.
3Strength
If the filter completely fills the cylindrical recess in the cap, then secure fit is achieved, but the filter gets stuck and is difficult to remove for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly incorporates a flexible tube with differentiated properties: the proximal portion is rigid to maintain structural integrity and secure connection to the probe body, while the distal portion is flexible to allow easy insertion and removal. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction by providing both secure fitting during use and ease of replacement when needed.
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 design enhances filter accessibility, reduces clogging, and minimizes turbulence, providing accurate and efficient sampling with lower back pressure during reflux.
Implementation Method 1
Filters are used along with the sample probes to trap and prevent un-dissolved particles of the dosage form and/or other contaminates from contaminating the sample
Implementation Method 2
a small amount of the media may be pushed back in the reverse direction (known as 'reflux' or 'back-flushing') to wash particles off the filter back into the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a sample probe has a cap and a base, wherein the cap includes a grip portion and a projection portion. The projection portion fits within a hollow portion of a filter such that the filter is disposed on the outside of the projection portion and the filter and the cap form a cap assemblage. The base comprises a base recess that receives a portion of the cap assemblage including the filter. The cap and base include corresponding media transfer regions adjacent and connected to the filter that reduces flow resistance and chances of blockage and/or contamination during dissolution-testing sampling using the sample probe.