Anatomical Specimen Collection Device with High Capacity Extended Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anatomical specimen collection devices are inefficient, often mixing desired specimens with other materials, requiring cumbersome processing, and are prone to blockages and damage during collection.
Innovation Solution
A device with a hollow body and a filter system that includes a mesh portion allowing blood and saline to pass while retaining bone dust, combined with a flexible nozzle for easy specimen collection and reduced clogging, enabling high-capacity and extended filtering capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional bone collecting devices store bone dust and materials mixed together in a container, then the collection process is simple, but the desired specimen cannot be separated from other materials without additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device is divided into separate functional zones: a collection chamber for receiving mixed materials, a filtration system with mesh portions of different pore sizes for separating bone dust from liquids, and a storage chamber. This segmentation allows simultaneous collection and separation without additional processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
A filtration system acts as an intermediary between the collection chamber and storage chamber. The mesh portions with specific pore sizes serve as mediators that selectively allow bone dust to pass while retaining larger particles, automatically separating specimens from other materials during the collection process.
2Manufacturing precision
If existing devices use a press to force liquid out of mixed materials to separate bone dust, then separation can be achieved, but the process is inefficient and may damage the desired specimen material
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical pressing system is replaced with a passive filtration system using mesh portions. Instead of applying mechanical force to force liquid out, the device uses the natural flow of materials through suction, with the mesh filter automatically separating bone dust from liquids based on pore size, eliminating the need for pressing and reducing specimen damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system employs mesh portions with specific pore sizes that allow bone dust particles to pass through while retaining larger debris and allowing liquids to drain. This porous structure enables automatic separation during suction without requiring additional processing steps or mechanical pressing.
3Quantity of substance
If collection apparatus is made large to increase specimen capacity, then higher capacity is achieved, but the device becomes awkward and interferes with the physician's ability to properly perform the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where the filtration system is contained within the collection chamber, and the storage chamber is integrated into the same housing. This nesting allows maximum specimen capacity within a compact form factor that does not interfere with physician operation or surgical access.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection chamber is positioned in a location that utilizes available space efficiently, extending toward the surgeon's hand rather than outward in all directions. This dimensional arrangement maintains a compact profile while maximizing specimen capacity, allowing the device to fit within the surgical field without interfering with the physician's workflow.
4Reliability
If frequent breaks are taken to empty and clear the specimen storage area to avoid blockage, then clogging is prevented, but productivity is reduced due to interruptions in the surgical procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system with mesh portions of different pore sizes enables continuous specimen collection without interruptions. The multi-layer filtration prevents blockages by progressively filtering materials at different stages, allowing the suction to continue operating at full capacity throughout the entire surgical procedure without requiring emptying or clearing breaks.
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
Facilitates efficient separation and collection of anatomical specimens like bone dust, reducing damage and clogging issues, while allowing for easy filter removal and replacement, enhancing operational efficiency in surgical settings.
Implementation Method 1
a mesh portion extending longitudinally between the closed proximal end portion and the open distal end portion defining an interior space aligned with the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
the distal end including a suction opening that is in fluid communication with the interior space of the filter and the first opening in the proximal end of the body such that anatomical specimen material is drawn into the suction opening, through the filter and the first opening when the first opening is connected to suction
Data Source
AI summary
An anatomical specimen collection device and system enabling a higher capacity, extended filtering capability and easy removal of the specimen while avoiding blockage or clogging. The anatomical specimen collection device includes a removable flexible nozzle with a distal end configured for mating with a variety of suction instruments and a removable axial filter element surrounded by a negative pressure environment.