Syringeless Filter Compressor with Intermediary Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Syringeless filter devices require manual compression, which can be time-consuming, uncomfortable, and may result in device breakage or leakage, posing risks to operators, especially when handling harmful samples.
Innovation Solution
A syringeless filter device compressor with a compact two-dimensional array holder and a transparent seal for visual inspection, featuring a removable holder for pre-loading and a stop pin to prevent over-compression, allowing for efficient and safe compression of multiple devices without direct operator contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual compression of syringeless filter devices is performed, then the filtration process can be completed, but it is time-consuming and physically uncomfortable for the operator
Solution Approach 1:
A compression device is introduced as an intermediary tool between the operator and the syringeless filter devices. The device includes a compression plate that applies force to multiple filter devices simultaneously, and a lever mechanism that amplifies the operator's input force. This intermediary system eliminates the need for direct manual compression of individual devices, significantly improving both processing speed and operator comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression device combines multiple compression functions into a single integrated system. The compression plate can compress multiple syringeless filter devices simultaneously in a single lever action, merging what would otherwise require multiple separate manual operations into one unified action, thereby increasing productivity.
2Ease of operation
If significant compression force is applied to the syringeless filter device, then the plunger can be pushed into the vial for filtration, but device breakage or leakage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device incorporates a spring mechanism that provides controlled, progressive compression force. The spring acts as a cushion that prevents sudden or excessive force from being applied to the filter devices, thereby protecting them from breakage or leakage while still achieving the necessary compression for filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism transforms the operator's input force into a controlled compression force through mechanical advantage. By changing the force parameter through the lever ratio, the system delivers sufficient compression power to push the plunger into the vial while maintaining control to prevent excessive force that could cause device failure.
3Productivity
If the operator directly contacts the syringeless filter device during compression, then compression can be applied, but there is risk of injury or sample contact when handling harmful samples
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device serves as a protective intermediary between the operator and potentially harmful samples. The operator interacts only with the compression device handles and levers, never directly with the filter devices containing harmful samples. This intermediary barrier eliminates direct contact risks while maintaining compression efficiency through the mechanical advantage system.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact holder design is used for the compressor, then the device size is reduced, but visual inspection of filter devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The holder incorporates transparent or translucent sections that allow visual inspection of the syringeless filter devices while maintaining a compact overall structure. These transparent portions enable the operator to monitor the filtration progress and device status without requiring additional space or complex inspection mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between compactness and inspectability.
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 compressor enables efficient, safe, and compact compression of syringeless filter devices, reducing operator effort and risk of breakage or leakage, while allowing for quick processing of multiple samples.
Implementation Method 1
a hollow plunger 106 having a filtration membrane 108 at one end... the liquid sample 104 is forced through the filtration membrane 108
Implementation Method 2
The device comprises compression means including a support structure, a compression plate... the compression plate moves towards the holder position to compress the syringeless filter devices held in the holder
Implementation Method 3
The holder may comprise a transparent seal locatable in each said gap for inhibiting fluid passing from a said recess to the exterior of the holder
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to a syringeless filter device compressor for compressing one or more syringeless filter devices. Such syringeless filter devices are typically compressed entirely by hand; however, this may be uncomfortable and/or dangerous for the operator. In embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a holder for holding a plurality of syringeless filter devices in a two-dimensional array, and a compressor device. The compressor includes a pusher which can be moved by an actuator to compress the filtration devices held in the two-dimensional array. These features enable a compact compressor device for compressing syringeless filter devices, without the operator being in contact with the syringeless filter device during the compression process.