Sensing Cartridge Membrane and Wick for Permeate Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional permeate derivation devices face challenges in accurately and efficiently separating permeate from feed solutions due to variability in time, temperature, and environmental conditions, leading to inaccurate constituent measurements in clinical laboratory settings.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensing cartridge with a first member to separate components from a feed solution and a second member to wick the permeate, shifting the phase equilibrium of constituents to a gaseous state, allowing for efficient extraction and measurement of constituents using an optoelectronic reader and processor for quantification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional permeate derivation devices use multiple layers, chemical additives, and different derivation techniques, then separation capability is improved, but device complexity increases and measurement accuracy decreases due to variability
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional members: a first member (membrane filter) for separation and a second member (wick material) for permeate transport. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without the complexity of multiple layers and chemical additives used in conventional devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates chemical additives and complex derivation techniques from the system. By using only physical separation through the membrane filter and physical transport through the wick material, the device achieves reliable separation without the complications introduced by chemical substances.
2Reliability
If conventional permeate derivation devices use multiple layers, chemical additives, and different derivation techniques, then separation capability is improved, but measurement accuracy worsens due to environmental variabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The wick material automatically transports the permeate from the membrane filter to the sensing area through capillary action without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. This self-service mechanism eliminates variability introduced by external environmental conditions and improves measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical and chemical derivation systems with a simple physical wicking mechanism. This substitution eliminates the variability associated with multiple layers, chemical additives, and complex derivation techniques, leading to more accurate and reliable measurements.
3Device complexity
If conventional permeate derivation devices are designed to accept certain solutions, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability worsens as they cannot accept certain solutions or separate permeate effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of a membrane filter and wick material creates a universal device that can handle various types of solutions (aqueous, non-aqueous, viscous, low-viscosity) and separate permeate effectively across different applications. This simple yet versatile design eliminates the need for solution-specific device configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device accommodates different solution properties by allowing variations in membrane pore size and wick material characteristics without changing the fundamental device architecture. This parameter adjustment capability enables the same basic design to work across a wide range of solutions and applications.
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 enhances measurement accuracy and efficiency by minimizing the impact of environmental variabilities and enabling quick separation and quantification of constituents like ammonia in bodily fluids, improving endpoint resolution and reducing the need for complex separation techniques.
Implementation Method 1
The first member is configured to separate a component from a feed solution, where the component has a hydrodynamic diameter greater than 0.01 micrometers (μm)
Implementation Method 2
The second member is configured to wick a permeate from the first member
Implementation Method 3
The second member is configured to wick a permeate from the first member and to shift a phase equilibrium of a constituent in the permeate to a gaseous state
Data Source
AI summary
A device, e.g., sensing cartridge, includes a first member and a second member coupled to the first member. The first member is configured to separate a component from a feed solution, where the component has a hydrodynamic diameter greater than 0.01 micrometers (μm). The second member is configured to wick a permeate from the first member.