Sampling Lid Assembly With Disposable Sieve for Sterile Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle monitoring systems face issues with bulky, heavy, and difficult-to-clean sampling lids that require sophisticated sterilization equipment, generate waste, and are not optimized for robotic and automated applications.
Innovation Solution
A sampling lid assembly comprising a reusable support frame and disposable sieve, made of different materials, where the sieve directs fluid towards a collecting surface, allowing for easy cleaning, reduced waste, and compatibility with robotic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sampling lid is made of metal to enable sterilization by heat, steam, or vaporized hydrogen peroxide, then sterilization capability is improved, but weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate components: a reusable metal support frame that can be sterilized and a disposable plastic sieve that eliminates the need for sterilization. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific requirements - the support frame for durability and sterilization, the sieve for lightweight construction and ease of disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The sieve is designed as a disposable component made of plastic that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for complex sterilization processes and heavy-duty reusable materials for this specific part, reducing overall weight while maintaining sterilization capability through the separate support frame.
2Reliability
If the top plate is made entirely of metal for sterilization, then sterilization capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in grasping
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame incorporates an asymmetric grip element with a specific geometric shape that provides a comfortable and secure grip for users. This asymmetric design breaks the symmetry of the otherwise circular component, making it easy to grasp and manipulate by hand while maintaining the sterile metal construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable plastic sieve is designed to be easily handled and discarded after use, transferring the ease of operation requirement to the disposable component rather than the reusable metal support frame. This allows the support frame to focus on sterilization capability while the sieve provides user-friendly handling.
3Reliability
If the top plate is made entirely of metal for sterilization, then sterilization capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirement of sophisticated sterilization equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into reusable and disposable components, with only the support frame requiring sterilization. This segmentation eliminates the need for sophisticated sterilization equipment for the entire device, as only the metal support frame needs to be sterilized using standard autoclave or chemical sterilization methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable plastic sieve is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for complex sterilization processes. This reduces device complexity by removing the requirement for sophisticated sterilization equipment while maintaining sterility through the disposable nature of the sieve.
4Strength
If the top plate is made entirely of metal, then durability is improved, but waste generation increases due to disposal of entire component
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a durable reusable support frame and a disposable sieve. This allows the metal support frame to be reused multiple times, reducing waste generation, while only the plastic sieve is discarded after single use. This significantly reduces material waste compared to discarding the entire metal top plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable plastic sieve is designed for single use and then discarded, while the expensive metal support frame is reused. This approach reduces waste generation by eliminating the need to discard the durable metal component, keeping only the inexpensive plastic sieve as waste.
5Reliability
If the top plate is made entirely of metal, then sterilization capability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming cleaning and sterilization cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into reusable and disposable components, allowing rapid replacement of the contaminated sieve without time-consuming sterilization cycles. Only the support frame requires sterilization, which can be done between batches, while the sieve is simply replaced, significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable plastic sieve is discarded after single use and replaced with a fresh one, eliminating time-consuming cleaning and sterilization cycles for this component. This significantly improves productivity by allowing rapid turnover between sampling operations while maintaining sterility.
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 solution reduces waste, simplifies cleaning, and enables both manual and automated use, while maintaining sterility and reducing the need for specialized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a sieve (6) configured to be removably mounted at the support frame (2) to close an open side of the space above the impacting and collecting surface, the sieve provided with fluid openings (7) arranged to direct, in operation of the particle monitoring system, a fluid towards the impacting and collecting surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a sampling lid assembly for a particle monitoring system, preferably a microbiological gas (for example, air) sampler or airborne particle counter. The present application also relates to a particle monitoring system comprising such sampling lid assembly.