Biological Sample Collection Device with Conical Protuberance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting and processing biological samples, such as those for HPV detection, are inefficient and prone to cross-contamination due to excessive manipulation and lack of integration in the collection, storage, transport, and separation processes.
Innovation Solution
A portable device that combines a receptacle with a cover and a collector recipient, featuring a conical protuberance and holes for efficient sample transfer and separation, along with a collection instrument like a tampon, swab, or brush, which allows for direct sample collection, storage, and transport within the same device, minimizing manipulation and contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional collection devices (brushes, swabs, sponges) are placed inside transport tubes and manually manipulated in laboratories, then sample collection is achieved, but excessive manipulation occurs and cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collection device, transport tube, and recovery tube into a single integrated portable device. The collection device is directly attached to the transport tube, which is sealed with a closure system, eliminating the need for separate manipulation steps between collection, transport, and recovery phases. This merging reduces cross-contamination risk by minimizing exposure and handling of the sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection device is nested within the transport tube, which is itself sealed within the closure system. The transport tube can be inserted into the recovery tube, creating a nested structure that protects the sample during transport and eliminates the need for intermediate handling steps, thereby reducing manipulation complexity and contamination risk.
2Productivity
If collection devices are manually manipulated and transferred between tubes in the laboratory, then sample recovery is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device is pre-attached to the transport tube with a sealed closure system before leaving the collection site. All necessary components are prepared and assembled in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual manipulation and transfer steps in the laboratory. The sample is already in its final container, ready for immediate processing.
3Productivity
If collection devices absorb biological samples during centrifugation, then sample separation is achieved, but sample recovery efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The biological sample is extracted from the collection device through a liquid solution that washes the sample off the collection device and into the recovery tube. This extraction process removes the sample from the absorbent collection device material, preventing sample loss during centrifugation and improving overall recovery efficiency.
4Reliability
If multiple manipulation steps are performed for sample recovery, then sample processing is achieved, but the risk of cross-contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the collection device, transport tube, and recovery tube into a single integrated portable device with a sealed closure system. This combination eliminates multiple separate manipulation steps by maintaining a continuous sealed environment from collection through transport to recovery, thereby controlling contamination risk while reducing the number of discrete operations required.
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 enables efficient and automated sample recovery with reduced risk of cross-contamination, facilitating the detection of HPV and other infectious agents by integrating all necessary steps within a single, portable assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a conic or rounded-shape bottom (10), at the centre of which there is a conical or rounded-shaped protuberance (11), that conducts the biological material towards one or more holes (12)
Implementation Method 2
Afterwards, the biological material that is inside the recovery tube, together with the collection device, is recovered by centrifugation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention refers to a portable device for the collection of biological samples. The device comprises a receptacle (8) with a cover (2), which comprises a pierceable area (3) and may include a collection instrument (1), comprising a rod (4), and a collection arrangement at the end, which may include a solid matrix, for instance a sponge or a tampon (5). The receptacle (8) has a rounded or conical shaped bottom (10), at the center of which there is a conical or rounded-shaped projection (11), with one or more holes (12). The bottom of the receptacle (8) is in contact with a collector recipient through a system of close-aperture, which may comprise screw or a fitting system with protrusions (13). In this way, the device referred in the present invention allows for the collection, storage, transportation and separation of biological material without significant manipulation and without risk of cross-contamination.