Vacuum Diaphragm Filter Connection Device Sterility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum membrane filtration systems face challenges in maintaining sterility and preventing back-contamination during the ventilation process, particularly due to the complexity of existing valve systems and the difficulty in safely removing the wetted membrane filter without splashing residual filtrate.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a closing element that can be moved into multiple switch positions to independently block or open the suction and ventilation channels, eliminating the need for additional valves and allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, cleaning, and sterilization, while ensuring sterile conditions and preventing back-contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate valve system is used to control suction and ventilation channels, then independent control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suction channel control and ventilation channel control into a single closing element (valve body) that can independently block or open either channel through rotational movement. This merging approach maintains independent control capability while significantly reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate valve mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If vacuum is broken via the suction bar to remove the wetted membrane filter, then filter removal is facilitated, but back-contamination risk increases due to filtrate splashing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ventilation channel that can be opened before breaking the vacuum to allow air to enter the filtration base and equalize pressure. This preliminary action prevents filtrate splashing when the vacuum is subsequently broken, thereby eliminating back-contamination risk while facilitating safe filter removal.
3Ease of operation
If the ventilation channel opens below the membrane filter, then ventilation is achieved, but residual liquid may splash up and cause recontamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the ventilation channel opening laterally on the side wall of the filtration base rather than below the membrane filter. This spatial repositioning in another dimension allows ventilation to occur at a level above the residual liquid, preventing splashing and recontamination while maintaining effective ventilation functionality.
4Ease of operation
If multiple valves are used to control suction and ventilation independently, then precise control is achieved, but assembly and cleaning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both suction channel control and ventilation channel control functions into a single closing element with multiple openings that can be selectively blocked. This merging design maintains precise control capability while dramatically simplifying assembly procedures and cleaning operations compared to using multiple separate valves.
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 simplifies the ventilation process, prevents back-contamination, and allows safe removal of the wetted membrane filter by creating a pressure equalization and ensuring residual liquid is sucked off without splashing, thus maintaining sterility and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a suction channel (28) opening centrally into the cavity (30)... through which a negative pressure (hereinafter referred to simply as vacuum) draws the filtrate to the pump
Implementation Method 2
a ventilation channel (32, 34) opening laterally into the cavity (30)... creating a pressure equalization to the environment, so that the filtrate cannot splash back onto the underside of the membrane filter
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A connection device (10) for a suction apparatus for vacuum diaphragm filtration applications comprises a carrier (14) for holding a diaphragm filter or a filtration base (16), a cavity (30) formed below the diaphragm filter or the filtration base (16), a suction channel which opens centrally into the cavity (30), and an aeration channel which opens laterally into the cavity (30). The connection device (10) furthermore comprises a closing element (18) which is movable into multiple switching positions and which, in a manner dependent on the switching positions, can shut off or open up both the suction channel and the aeration channel.