Disposable Vacuum Filtration Base with Automatic Pressure Application
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current disposable vacuum filtration devices for liquid samples lack an efficient and cost-effective method to separate unfiltered liquid from filtered liquid, often requiring complex and costly setups for vacuum application and filtration media replacement.
Innovation Solution
A disposable vacuum filtration system comprising a reusable base with a vacuum channel and a disposable filtration funnel, where the base automatically applies vacuum to the filtration device, allowing for efficient filtration and separation of unfiltered and filtered liquids using a filter element between the funnel and receptacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a disposable vacuum filtration device is used, then sterility and ease of use are improved, but the complexity of vacuum application and filtration media replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vacuum source, vacuum application mechanism, and filtration device into an integrated system. The reusable base unit houses the vacuum source and automatically applies vacuum when the disposable filtration device is placed on it, eliminating the need for separate vacuum application steps and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic vacuum application through self-service mechanism. When the disposable filtration device is positioned on the reusable base, the vacuum is automatically applied without requiring manual connection or adjustment by the user, simplifying the operation while maintaining sterility.
2Productivity
If complex setups are used for vacuum application, then filtration efficiency can be maintained, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into reusable and disposable components. The expensive vacuum source and base unit are reusable, while the filtration device is disposable. This segmentation allows the high-cost vacuum application mechanism to be used repeatedly, reducing operational costs over time while maintaining filtration efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration device is designed as a disposable component that is replaced after use, eliminating the need for costly maintenance, sterilization, or media replacement of the vacuum system. This approach reduces operational costs while maintaining consistent filtration performance across multiple uses of the reusable base.
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
This system simplifies the filtration process by automatically applying vacuum, reducing operational costs and improving filtration efficiency while maintaining sterility and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a reusable base with a vacuum channel and a disposable filtration funnel, where the base automatically applies vacuum to the filtration device
Implementation Method 2
the vacuum source pulls the liquid through the filter element and into the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid filtering system and methods for filtering are disclosed. One embodiment of the system includes a filtering apparatus having a receiving receptacle coupled with an adapter. The adapter has an adapter port for receiving a vacuum and an interface for coupling with an output receptacle that receives filtered liquid from the filtering apparatus. The adapter is between the receiving receptacle and output receptacle when the output receptacle is coupled with the adapter interface. The system also includes a base having a substantially rigid housing containing an internal vacuum channel terminating at a base vacuum delivery port. The adapter is couplable with the base to connect the adapter port to the base vacuum delivery port.