Biological Sample Collector With Reagent-Enabled On-Site Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for collecting biological samples, particularly saliva, face challenges in maintaining and securing a soft wick collector element within the housing, making it difficult to test and analyze the samples effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a housing with a collector element designed to absorb biological samples, a cap element containing reagents for on-site testing, and a container with a release mechanism for liquid, allowing liquid to flow through the collector element and into reaction chambers for analysis, with secure mounting features to ensure proper testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a soft wick collector element is used to collect biological samples, then the collection effectiveness is improved, but the difficulty of maintaining and fastening the collector element into the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a housing containing the collector element, a separate cap element with reagent, and a container for liquid. This segmentation allows the soft wick collector to be easily inserted and removed from the housing without complex fastening mechanisms, while maintaining effective sample collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap element acts as an intermediary component that interfaces with the housing and collector element. It provides a secure mounting structure with fastening features that engage with the housing, indirectly securing the collector element without requiring direct complex fastening of the soft wick itself.
2Reliability
If a wick collector element is used, then biological samples can be collected, but the ease of testing and analyzing the samples deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cap element merges multiple functions: it seals the housing, contains the reagent for testing, and provides a mounting interface. When the cap is attached to the housing, the reagent is positioned to contact the collected sample, enabling on-site testing without requiring separate analysis equipment or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap element serves multiple purposes: it acts as a closure for the housing, a container for the reagent, a mounting structure for securing the collector, and a reaction chamber for sample analysis. This multi-functionality integrates collection and testing capabilities into a single device.
3Quantity of substance
If the collector element allows liquid passage to wash out samples, then the amount of biological sample absorbed increases, but the complexity of the device structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collector element is designed with continuous porous structure that allows liquid to flow through it continuously, washing out absorbed samples without requiring mechanical agitation or additional pumping mechanisms. The capillary action and pressure-driven flow provide continuous sample extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The collector element utilizes porous material structure that inherently allows liquid passage through its pores. This natural permeability enables sample washing and extraction without requiring additional channels, valves, or mechanical components, maintaining structural simplicity.
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
Enables easy collection, absorption, and on-site analysis of biological samples with improved stability and efficiency, facilitating accurate testing and analysis of collected samples.
Implementation Method 1
the PE may be the outer coating, due to its particular properties on absorption of liquid via its capillary structure
Implementation Method 2
and adsorption which is minimal with regards to nucleic acids
Implementation Method 3
at least part of the liquid can pass through a channel and through the collector element to wash out the one or more biological samples
Data Source
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 designed to collect one or more biological samples. The device comprises a cap element which can be mounted on the housing, wherein the cap element comprises a reagent or an element comprising a reagent.