Vacuum Filtration Unit for Point-of-Care Pathogen Assays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for processing fluid biological samples, such as centrifugation and filtration, are time-consuming and require specialized laboratory equipment, posing contamination risks and limiting their use in point-of-care settings and by non-professional technicians.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic apparatus and system comprising a filtration unit with a filter bracket and housing, and an assay device with a porous matrix, allowing for sample filtration and analysis without complex equipment, using a vacuum source to draw samples through a filter and into a buffer for further processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If centrifugation and filtration are performed using specialized laboratory equipment, then sample concentration and filtration effectiveness are improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable filter units that are pre-assembled with filtration membranes and sample collection components. These single-use filter units eliminate the need for complex, reusable laboratory centrifuges and filtration systems, while maintaining effective sample concentration and filtration capabilities through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit integrates multiple functions into a single component: filtration, sample concentration, and transfer to assay device. This merging of functions replaces the need for separate centrifugation and filtration equipment, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effectiveness
2Reliability
If professional laboratory technicians perform centrifugation and filtration, then contamination risk is reduced, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit is designed as a self-contained, disposable component that maintains sample integrity without requiring technical expertise for assembly or operation. The pre-assembled nature and single-use design eliminate contamination risks associated with manual handling by non-professionals, while making the process accessible to anyone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the contamination risk factor from the operational process by using disposable filter units that are discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for professional technicians to perform cleaning, sterilization, or maintenance procedures, allowing anyone to operate the system safely
3Manufacturing precision
If complex laboratory equipment is used for sample filtration, then filtration precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter units are pre-assembled with optimized filtration membranes and configurations before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates setup time during actual sample processing, allowing immediate filtration without equipment assembly or calibration, thus maintaining precision while increasing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical centrifugation systems with simpler vacuum-based or pressure-driven filtration through pre-configured filter units. This substitution maintains filtration precision through engineered membrane selection while dramatically reducing equipment complexity and processing time
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
Enables efficient sample concentration and filtration with reduced contamination risk, suitable for point-of-care use by non-specialists, achieving effective nucleic acid extraction and amplification.
Implementation Method 1
coupling a vacuum source to a filter bracket, thereby passing a liquid biological sample through a filter cooperatively coupled to the filter bracket
Implementation Method 2
a filter configured to filter fluid passing through the filter bracket
Implementation Method 3
a porous matrix positioned to be in fluidic communication with the filter when the filter housing is cooperatively coupled with the assay device
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method for filtering and assaying a fluid sample are described. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a filtration unit comprising: a filter bracket shaped to removably couple with a fluid sample cup and a vacuum container; and a filter housing cooperatively couplable to the filter bracket and comprising a filter configured to filter fluid passing through the filter bracket; and an assay device shaped to cooperatively couple with the filter housing and comprising a porous matrix positioned to be in fluidic communication with the filter when the filter housing is cooperatively coupled with the assay device.