Automated Blood Sampling Device with Interchangeable Sterile Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated blood sampling systems are often cumbersome, difficult to use, and prone to contamination, lacking portability and sterility, which hinders efficient and reliable sampling of biological fluids.
Innovation Solution
A portable, automated blood sampling device featuring a microprocessor-controlled system with a peristaltic pump, selecting valve, and cooling elements, allowing for sterile and efficient collection of biological samples using interchangeable drive assemblies and sample collection chambers, with external control for programming and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated sampling systems are used to improve sampling efficiency, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases and portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automated sampling system is divided into modular components including a pump module, valve module, collection chamber module, and control module. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently assembled or replaced, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automated sampling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling device is designed with universal interfaces and standardized components that can be used across different sampling configurations. The pump and valve system can handle multiple fluid paths and sampling scenarios, reducing the need for specialized complex systems for each application.
2Productivity
If automated sampling systems are used to improve sampling efficiency, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in use and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs disposable collection chambers and interchangeable sampling lines that can be discarded after single use, eliminating the need for complex cleaning procedures. The disposable components are designed to be replaced quickly, maintaining ease of operation while enabling automated high-efficiency sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning and sterilization functions are extracted from the main sampling mechanism by using separable disposable components. This allows the core automated sampling system to remain simple and easy to operate, while contamination risks are managed through replacement rather than cleaning of critical components.
3Device complexity
If traditional sampling methods are used to maintain simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but contamination risk increases due to difficulty in maintaining sterility
Solution Approach 1:
Disposable sterile collection chambers and sampling lines are used to maintain sterility without requiring complex sterilization systems. Each disposable component is pre-sterilized and sealed, ensuring contamination-free sampling while keeping the overall device design simple and straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
Sterile barriers and sealed interfaces act as intermediaries between the external environment and the sampling system. These intermediaries maintain sterility through simple physical separation rather than complex active sterilization mechanisms, reducing contamination risk while preserving device simplicity.
4Productivity
If heavy or bulky components are used in automated systems to improve sampling capability, then productivity is improved, but portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automated sampling system is segmented into lightweight modular components that can be distributed and assembled as needed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain full automated sampling capability while using only the necessary components for each specific application, reducing overall weight and improving portability.
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 device provides a sterile, efficient, and portable means for sampling biological fluids, reducing contamination and operational complexity, enabling precise control over sampling and temperature management, thus enhancing the reliability of sample collection.
Implementation Method 1
a peristaltic pump including a plurality of rotor housings capable of selective engagement with a central rotor
Implementation Method 2
the temperature of the collection chamber is regulated by a cooling element, such as a peltier cooling element
Implementation Method 3
a cooling element, such as a peltier cooling element
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, instruments, systems and methods are provided in which a primary line that receives a biological fluid is selectively sampled by a plurality of collection chambers. Selective sampling occurs by selectively accessing the primary line and selective engagement of a sampling pump under control of a microprocessor. Further, the instrument housing reversibly houses a drive assembly and sample collection housing to permit the interchangeability of drive assemblies and collection housings and thus enhance sterility or reduction of cost.