Biological Sample Transport Kit with Fluid-Absorbing Lining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kits for transporting biological samples by mail are expensive, complex, and designed for professional use, making them unsuitable for nonprofessional users, particularly elderly individuals, leading to high non-return rates and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising a sample holder, a pre-addressed postal envelope, and an assembly with a protective structure, fluid-tight sealable bag, and fluid-absorbing lining, designed for single-use by nonprofessionals, featuring a semi-rigid protective structure and a sealable bag with a clear opening for easy insertion and sealing, reducing the risk of damage and leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated reusable plastic envelopes with fluid tight closures and protective means are used, then sample holder protection is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is divided into separate functional components: a rigid outer envelope providing structural protection, a fluid-absorbing insert material for leakage containment, and a sample holder recess for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing compared to integrated complex structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a disposable envelope design made from inexpensive materials such as paper or thin plastic, eliminating the need for costly reusable plastic envelopes. The envelope is designed for single-use, discarded after one mailing, which reduces manufacturing costs and complexity while maintaining adequate protection for the sample holder during transport.
2Reliability
If dedicated reusable plastic envelopes with multiple components are used, then sample holder protection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid-absorbing insert material is integrated directly into the envelope structure, combining the protective and absorbent functions in a single component rather than requiring separate layers or attachments. This merging simplifies the user experience by eliminating multiple steps for assembling protective elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The envelope design incorporates self-sealing mechanisms and automatic fluid absorption capabilities, reducing the need for user intervention. The sample holder is automatically positioned within the envelope structure, and any leakage is automatically contained by the absorbent material without requiring user action.
3Reliability
If expensive reusable kits are used, then sample protection is improved, but cost-effectiveness for voluntary screenings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The envelope is designed as a disposable, single-use component made from low-cost materials, eliminating the need for expensive reusable kits. This approach is particularly suitable for voluntary screening programs where many participants may not return their samples, as the cost of replacing lost disposable envelopes is significantly lower than replacing reusable kits.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the economic parameters of the packaging system by shifting from high-cost reusable materials to low-cost disposable materials. This parameter change makes the overall system more cost-effective for large-scale voluntary screening programs, where the total cost is driven by the number of kits distributed rather than the durability of individual kits.
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 kit is cost-effective, easy to use, and suitable for nonprofessional users, reducing sample return costs and increasing participation rates by simplifying the process for users, especially elderly individuals, while ensuring sample integrity during transport.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid absorbing lining of the assembly is provided to absorb fluids of the biological sample in case of leakage from the sample holder or the closure of the sample holder
Implementation Method 2
a fluid tight closure flap movable between an open position, in which the sample holder may be inserted into and removed from the bag interior via said opening, and a closed position, in which it seals the opening fluid tight to retain the sample holder in the bag interior
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a kit for transport of a biological sample. The kit comprises a sample holder, an assembly for holding the sample holder, and a postal envelope. The assembly comprises a protective structure, a fluid tight sealable bag comprising a bag interior, and a fluid absorbing lining. The protective structure comprises a semi rigid front and back panel, which are connected such that they form a semi rigid structure defining an interior space between the panels and an opening communicating with said interior space. The protective structure is provided inside the bag interior and the fluid absorbing lining is provided inside the bag interior between the front panel and the bag and between the back panel and the bag. The protective structure is positioned and configured such that it holds open the opening of the sealable bag to facilitate inserting the sample holder into the interior space.