Adjustable Volume Sampling System With Movable Dip Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for obtaining fluid samples, such as using pipettes, expose the sample container to contamination risks and lack flexibility and accuracy in achieving a specified sample size.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable volume sampling system that includes a sealed sampling container with a diptube, allowing for precise control of sample volume by raising or lowering the diptube using flexible tubes and a mechanical adjustment mechanism, and utilizing filtered air to remove excess fluid, ensuring an aseptic seal and accurate sample retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pipette is used to obtain a fluid sample, then the sample can be retrieved, but the container is exposed to potential contamination and the sample size control is imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dip tube as an intermediary component that extends through the sealed cap into the container. This dip tube allows sample retrieval without breaking the seal of the container, as the tube can be inserted and withdrawn while the cap remains closed, thereby preventing contamination while enabling sample access
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is segmented into multiple functional components: a sealed cap body, a removable filter, and an integrated dip tube. This segmentation allows the dip tube to be positioned at specific depths to control sample volume while the filter portion can be removed separately for sterilization or replacement, maintaining sample integrity without compromising contamination prevention
2Ease of operation
If the cap is removed to access the fluid, then sampling is possible, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dip tube serves as a mediator that enables sample access through the sealed cap opening without requiring cap removal. The tube can be inserted through the cap's opening, allowing fluid to be withdrawn or injected while the cap remains sealed against the container, thus maintaining ease of operation while preventing contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The dip tube is pre-positioned at a specific length that extends to the desired sampling depth within the container. This preliminary positioning allows the user to simply insert the tube to the marked position and operate the syringe, eliminating the need for complex measurements or cap removal while maintaining sterile conditions
3Device complexity
If a fixed-length dip tube is used, then the structure is simple, but sample volume flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dip tube is designed with a movable or adjustable mechanism that allows its effective length to be changed. The tube can be extended or retracted, or multiple tubes of different lengths can be interchanged, enabling flexible sample volume control while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that does not require complex mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The dip tube is nested within the cap structure, with the tube able to slide in and out of the cap body. This nesting arrangement allows the dip tube to be positioned at different depths by simply sliding it within the cap's internal cavity, providing sample volume flexibility without adding external complexity to the device
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 system effectively reduces contamination risks while enabling precise and flexible sample size delivery, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of fluid samples in laboratory and medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The plug portion slides against the neck of the sidewall and provides an airtight, aseptic seal between the cap and the neck of the sampling container
Implementation Method 2
the excess volume above the lower end of the diptube is removed via the diptube using filtered air injected into the sampling container through a separate port
Implementation Method 3
The first tube is flexible so as to be capable of being pinched and stretched. The first tube has an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the enlarged portion of the first port such that an end of the first tube is stretched to attach to the enlarged portion of the first port thereby providing an airtight, aseptic seal
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable volume sampling system is disclosed for aseptically retrieving a sample volume of a fluid from an origination container. The system includes a sampling container. A cap is removably attached to the sampling container so as to close off the open top. The cap includes two ports. A first tube is attached to one of the ports. An elongated diptube extends through port into the sampling container and an upper end of the diptube is located inside a portion of the first tube. The diptube can be raised and lowered relative to the sampling container by pinching an stretching the first tube. Syringes are provided for expelling excess material from the sampling container.