Automated Virus Concentration Apparatus Using Negatively Charged Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
The negatively charged membrane method for detecting viruses in water is cumbersome and labor-intensive, requiring onsite equipment assembly and manual handling, which complicates processing in water treatment infrastructure settings and limits convenience and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A concentration apparatus with automated solenoid valves and pumps controls the flow of sample water and solutions through a negatively charged membrane, reducing labor and enabling easier transportation and operation, integrating all components into a portable device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the negatively charged membrane method is implemented at a water treatment infrastructure site, then virus detection capability is improved, but equipment assembly complexity and worker burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the negatively charged membrane, storage tanks for acidic and alkaline solutions, solenoid valves, and pumps into a single integrated concentration apparatus. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate equipment assembly at the water treatment site, as the entire system is pre-assembled and portable.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentration apparatus employs automated control where the controller automatically operates solenoid valves and pumps to manage fluid flow through the membrane. This self-service automation reduces worker burden by eliminating manual assembly and operation steps, allowing the system to function with minimal human intervention.
2Reliability
If sample water is collected and processed in a separate laboratory, then processing environment is improved, but transportation requirements and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the laboratory processing environment into a portable concentration apparatus that can be transported to and operated at the water treatment infrastructure site. By combining the membrane filtration system, solution storage, and automated control into one transportable unit, the system eliminates the need to transport sample water to a separate laboratory.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentration apparatus is designed as a dynamic, portable system that can be deployed at various locations rather than a fixed laboratory installation. The automated solenoid valves and pumps enable the system to adapt to different operational conditions at the field site, maintaining reliable processing environmental conditions regardless of location.
3Device complexity
If manual operation of equipment is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but worker burden and operational time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The concentration apparatus implements automated control where a controller automatically operates solenoid valves and pumps to manage the flow of sample water, acidic solution, and alkaline solution through the negatively charged membrane. This automation reduces worker burden by eliminating manual valve operations and fluid handling, allowing the system to perform concentration operations autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that uses solenoid valves and pumps controlled by a controller. This substitution of manual mechanical systems with automated electromechanical systems maintains the physical simplicity of the overall device while dramatically improving operational efficiency and reducing worker burden.
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 apparatus automates the processing of the negatively charged membrane method, reducing worker burden, improving convenience, and facilitating efficient virus concentration in water treatment infrastructure settings.
Implementation Method 1
Microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses are generally negatively charged in neutral to alkaline waters and positively charged in acidic waters. Conventionally, methods of capturing microorganisms from water using this property are known.
Implementation Method 2
a first solenoid valve disposed on a flow path from the sample water supply to the negatively charged membrane; an acidic solution storage tank disposed upstream of the negatively charged membrane in parallel with the sample water supply and storing an acidic solution; a second solenoid valve disposed on a flow path from the acidic solution storage tank to the negatively charged membrane
Implementation Method 3
a fourth solenoid valve and a first suction pump each disposed on a flow path from the negatively charged membrane to the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A concentration apparatus including a negatively charged membrane, a sample water supply, a first solenoid valve on a flow path from the sample water supply to the negatively charged membrane, an acidic solution storage tank storing an acidic solution, a second solenoid valve on a flow path from the acidic solution storage tank to the negatively charged membrane, an alkaline solution storage tank storing an alkaline solution, a third solenoid valve on a flow path from the alkaline solution storage tank to the negatively charged membrane, an outlet to discharge fluid, a fourth solenoid valve and a first suction pump each on a flow path from the negatively charged membrane to the outlet, a collection container in which fluid is collected, a fifth solenoid valve on a flow path from the negatively charged membrane to the collection container, and a controller that controls opening and closing of the solenoid valves.