Replaceable Sampling Cassette Assembly for Contamination-Free Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sampling techniques from biologically and chemically active environments require labor-intensive steps and pose risks of contamination, necessitating improvements to reduce safety hazards and simplify the process.
Innovation Solution
A sampling system with a cassette assembly and station base that includes actuators, movable members, and an elastomer membrane for valve control, allowing for automated and contamination-reduced sample collection, using replaceable cassette assemblies to minimize exposure to fluid samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional sampling techniques are used, then operators can obtain samples from bioreactors, but the process becomes labor-intensive and increases contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is divided into a reusable station base and a disposable cassette assembly. The cassette contains all components that contact the sample (reservoir, membrane, valves), separating sterile single-use elements from non-sterile reusable elements. This segmentation eliminates the need to sterilize the entire sampling system while maintaining sample integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette assembly is designed as a single-use disposable component that is discarded after one sampling operation. This eliminates contamination risk from reused components and simplifies the operation for users who don't need to perform sterilization procedures between uses.
2Reliability
If multiple sterilization steps are implemented, then contamination risk is reduced, but the complexity and time required for sampling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates sterile and non-sterile components into distinct modules. The cassette assembly containing all sample-contact components is pre-sterilized and sealed, while the station base remains non-sterile. This segmentation allows the sterile portion to be simple to use without adding complex sterilization procedures to the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette assembly is pre-sterilized and packaged in a sterile state before use. All sterilization actions are performed in advance during manufacturing, not during the sampling operation itself. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex on-site sterilization procedures.
3Device complexity
If manual valve control is used, then the system structure is simpler, but the sampling process becomes more labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer membrane automatically responds to pressure changes from the pump chamber, opening and closing valves without operator intervention. The membrane's physical properties enable it to seal and open passages based on pressure differential, making the system self-regulating and eliminating manual valve control requirements.
4Reliability
If extensive sterilization of all components is performed, then contamination risk is minimized, but the time required for sample preparation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into disposable sterile cassettes and reusable non-sterile bases, the sterilization time is confined only to the cassette manufacturing process. During sampling operations, no sterilization time is required as the cassette is already sterile and the base doesn't need to be sterile.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cassette assembly eliminates the need for repeated sterilization cycles. Each cassette is used once and discarded, preventing any time loss associated with sterilizing components that would otherwise need to be reused after sterilization.
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 system enables efficient, automated, and contamination-free sample collection by reducing the need for extensive sterilization of components, minimizing contamination risks, and facilitating quick transitions between sampling procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomer membrane above the reservoir to cause the elastomer membrane to move into the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
an elastomer membrane disposed between the cassette base and the cassette top
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling system can include a cassette assembly coupled to a station base that has a plurality of actuators. The cassette assembly can include a cassette base, a cassette top, and an elastomer membrane disposed between the cassette base and cassette top. The cassette base can include a sample inlet, a reservoir for receiving a sample from the sample inlet, a sample outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the sample inlet, the reservoir, and the sample outlet.