Biological Sample Collection Device with Indirect Transfer Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transferring biological samples from collection media to storage media are prone to contamination and inconsistency due to direct operator contact and uneven mechanical force application, which can lead to non-uniform sample transfer and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A biological sample collection device with a movable collection portion and a sample transfer mechanism that allows for force application without direct contact, enabling uniform transfer of samples from the collection medium to the storage medium, and includes configurations for efficient drying and protection of the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct contact between operator and collection portion is used for sample transfer, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediary transfer mechanism (the movable collection portion that can be pressed against the storage medium) that mediates between the operator and the sample collection medium. This allows the operator to apply force indirectly through the device structure rather than directly contacting the collection portion, thereby reducing contamination risk while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If manual force application is used for sample transfer, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to uneven force application
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed so that when the operator applies force to the collection portion, the device's own structure and mechanics automatically ensure uniform distribution of that force across the collection medium and storage medium interface. The system self-regulates the force application through its mechanical design, eliminating the need for the operator to precisely control force distribution.
3Reliability
If collection portion is held spatially separated from body portion, then sample integrity is improved by reducing contamination, but device complexity increases due to movable connection
Solution Approach 1:
The collection portion is connected to the body portion through a movable connection that allows dynamic positioning. The collection portion can be held in a spatially separated position during sample collection to maintain integrity, and can be moved into contact with the storage medium during transfer. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between maintaining sample integrity and managing device complexity.
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 ensures contamination-free and uniform transfer of biological samples by indirectly applying pressure, reducing the risk of exposure and ensuring consistent sample integrity during storage and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
the sample transfer means is operable to apply a force to the collection portion, whereby said collection portion is compelled towards said holding position so that, when the storage medium holding portion holds a biological sample storage medium, the biological sample collection medium is pushed against said biological sample storage medium
Implementation Method 2
some of the liquid sample is then drawn by capillary action into the sample storage medium
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of using a biological sample collection device comprising a collection portion and a body portion, the body portion including a holding portion for holding a biological sample storage medium, and a sample transfer means, such as a cover. The collection portion can be arranged in a first position separated from the body portion for collecting a sample, and in a second position at least partly between the sample transfer means and the holding portion, with the sample transfer means being operable to push the collection portion towards a position at which the holding means is arranged to hold the biological sample storage medium, enabling a sample held in the collection portion to be transferred to the latter.