Biological Sample Collector Hooks for Secure, Low-Force Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for collecting biological samples, particularly saliva, face challenges in securely mounting and maintaining the collector element within the housing, leading to undesired removal.

Innovation Solution

A device with a collector element designed to be easily inserted and securely anchored using hooks or adhesive materials, allowing low insertion force and high removal force, combined with a soft and flexible structure for stable retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a wick is used as the collector element, then the device can collect biological samples, but the wick is difficult to maintain and fasten into the housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of fastening collector elementVSAvoiddifficulty to maintain collector element

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The collector element is divided into multiple segments or sections, each with specific fastening features. This segmentation allows the soft wick material to be divided into manageable sections that can be independently fastened to the housing, making both installation and maintenance easier while maintaining the absorption functionality of the wick material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Fastening features are pre-formed on the collector element during manufacturing, before the collector element is installed in the device. This preliminary preparation of attachment points simplifies the installation process and makes maintenance easier, as the fastening mechanism is already integrated into the collector element structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the collector element is made soft for absorption, then it can effectively collect samples, but it becomes difficult to fasten and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample collection effectivenessVSAvoiddifficulty to fasten collector element

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The collector element combines soft absorbent material with integrated fastening features made of more rigid materials. This composite structure allows the collector to maintain its softness and absorption capability while incorporating rigid elements that can be easily fastened to the housing, resolving the contradiction between softness for sample collection and ease of fastening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the collector element have different properties: the main body remains soft and absorbent for effective sample collection, while specific localized regions contain rigid fastening features or attachment points. This local differentiation allows the collector to be both soft for absorption and easy to fasten, as the rigid fastening portions provide structural integrity without compromising the overall softness needed for sample collection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If hooks are used to secure the collector element, then removal force increases, but insertion force also increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of mountingVSAvoidinsertion force required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism transitions from a static rigid hook design to a dynamic system where the hooks can flex or deform during insertion. This dynamic behavior allows the hooks to bend elastically during the insertion process, reducing the peak insertion force required, while still providing strong retention during normal use and removal operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the collector element is securely anchored, then undesired removal is prevented, but easy removal for maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of undesired removalVSAvoidease of removal for maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The collector element incorporates self-aligning or self-adjusting fastening features that automatically position themselves during installation. This self-service capability ensures secure anchoring without requiring precise manual alignment, making the element firmly fixed during normal operation while allowing for easier removal and reinstallation during maintenance, as the self-aligning features guide the reinstallation process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250255586A1Device for collecting biological samples

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 BIC VIOLEX SINGLE MEMBER SA

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a device for collecting one or more biological samples comprising a housing and a collector element, wherein the collector element is configured to allow the passage of liquid, and wherein the collector element extends between a first end and a second end, the first end of the collector element protruding out of the housing for collecting the one or more biological samples, the second end of the collector element being arranged within the housing, and wherein the housing comprises a plurality of hooks for engaging the collector element.