Vacuum Filtration Fixture With Tilted Cradle to Reduce Foaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum filtration systems face challenges such as potential spills, instability during vacuum attachment, and foaming issues due to the velocity and distance of filtrate entering the storage bottle, which can disrupt cell cultures and require extensive sanitization.
Innovation Solution
A portable fixture with a cradle and clamping portion that supports the filtration device, allowing for secure attachment to a ring stand, includes a vacuum inlet and outlet port system with a seal to minimize leakage and a vacuum controller to regulate pressure, and a tilting mechanism to reduce foaming by directing the filtrate along the sidewall of the storage bottle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vacuum filtration is performed with high velocity, then filtration efficiency is improved, but foaming and splashing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tilted cradle portion that changes the spatial orientation of the filtration device from vertical to angled (e.g., 45 degrees). This dimensional change directs the filtrate flow along the sidewall of the storage bottle rather than straight down, reducing splashing and foaming while maintaining filtration efficiency through controlled high-velocity flow.
2Device complexity
If manual attachment of vacuum source is used, then device complexity is reduced, but stability and spill risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vacuum source attachment function directly into the cradle portion of the support fixture. The cradle portion includes an integrated vacuum port that combines structural support and vacuum connection in a single component, eliminating the need for separate manual vacuum attachment and improving stability during filtration.
3Device complexity
If vertical positioning is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but spill risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the positioning angle from vertical to tilted (e.g., 45 degrees) using the cradle portion. This angular repositioning directs filtrate flow along the sidewall of the storage bottle, preventing direct impact with the liquid surface and thereby reducing spill risk while maintaining simple device structure.
4Device complexity
If filtrate falls directly into storage bottle, then device simplicity is maintained, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the tilted cradle portion to change the trajectory of filtrate delivery from vertical drop to angled flow along the sidewall. This dimensional change in flow path reduces splashing and contamination risk while keeping the overall device structure simple and easy to implement.
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 portable fixture stabilizes the filtration device, reduces the risk of spills and foaming, and allows for precise control of vacuum pressure, enhancing the efficiency and integrity of the filtration process while minimizing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
Vacuum is applied downstream of the filter 12 to create a pressure differential which draws the sample liquid through the filter into the storage bottle 13
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum outlet port may also include a seal disposed around the vacuum outlet port. The seal minimizes leakage between the vacuum outlet port and the vacuum port on the filtration device.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable fixture for supporting a vacuum filtration device includes a cradle portion and a clamping portion. The cradle portion supports the vacuum filtration device. The clamping portion removeably attaches the portable fixture to a support in order to secure and support the filtration device above a workspace. The portable fixture may also provide a vacuum to the filtration device. To that end, the portable fixture may have a vacuum inlet port which may be connected to a vacuum source and a vacuum outlet port that is fluidly connected to the vacuum inlet port.