Biological Sample Conservation Support with Integrated Cleaning Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for conserving biological samples and cleaning collection devices are complex, costly, and time-consuming, requiring separate supports for sample conservation and device cleaning, leading to increased costs and prolonged process times.
Innovation Solution
A support with a dual functionality, comprising an absorbent matrix for sample conservation and a distinct cleaning zone for the collection device, allowing for simultaneous sample collection and device cleaning without contamination, using a single integrated structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate supports are used for sample conservation and device cleaning, then sample conservation reliability is maintained, but device complexity and process time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sample conservation function and device cleaning function into a single integrated support structure. The support includes a first portion for receiving and conserving the biological sample and a second portion for cleaning the collecting device, eliminating the need for separate supports and reducing process complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single support structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a sample conservation medium and a cleaning medium for the collecting device. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall process while ensuring both sample preservation and device cleanliness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate supports are used for sample conservation and device cleaning, then contamination prevention is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conservation support and cleaning support into a single integrated structure, reducing manufacturing costs associated with producing, packaging, and handling multiple separate supports while maintaining contamination prevention through the distinct first and second portions
3Reliability
If separate supports are used for sample conservation and device cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated support allows the user to perform both sample conservation and device cleaning in a single operation by simply placing the collecting device onto the support, eliminating the need for sequential handling of separate supports and significantly reducing process time while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The support is pre-configured with both the sample receiving area and the cleaning area in specific spatial relationships, allowing the cleaning action to be performed immediately after sample collection without requiring additional preparation or setup steps
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
This solution simplifies and accelerates the collection and cleaning processes, reducing costs and time while preventing contamination, and is easy to manufacture and use.
Implementation Method 1
a support for conserving a sample of biological material comprising an absorbent matrix (2) aimed at receiving and conserving the sample
Implementation Method 2
The absorbent material can be constituted by a cellulose base material, such as for example paper, in particular absorbent paper or filter paper
Data Source
AI summary
A support for conserving samples of biological material comprising at least: a first portion of an absorbent material aimed at and destined to conserve a sample of biological material and a second portion, distinct from the first portion and aimed at, predisposed and destined to constitute a cleaning zone for a head of a device, in particular a punch, aimed at collecting a sample of biological material from the first portion. The support can further comprise a third portion of connection interposed between the first portion and the second portion; the third portion can exhibit one or more cuts or one or more openings.