Biological Sample Collection Device with Position Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for holding biological samples face challenges in reproducibly locating sample components due to dimensional changes caused by temperature variations, making it difficult to accurately identify and inspect samples.
Innovation Solution
A device with a collection portion featuring three position markers that define a second plane intersecting with a first plane, allowing a machine-readable system to identify a three-dimensional location of biological elements relative to these markers, enabling precise calibration and repeatable determination of sample positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature changes occur, then dimensional changes are caused in devices for holding sample components, but this makes it difficult to reproducibly locate the sample component again
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces position markers as intermediary reference elements that are fixed relative to the collection portion. These markers serve as stable references that do not shift with temperature-induced dimensional changes, allowing the optical system to reliably locate samples regardless of thermal expansion or contraction of the collection portion itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning methods with optical positioning using markers detected by an optical system. Instead of relying on mechanical dimensions that change with temperature, the system uses optical detection of markers to determine sample positions, eliminating the impact of thermal dimensional changes on location accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If current devices are used for holding samples, then sample collection is enabled, but accurate identification and inspection of samples becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The position markers act as intermediary elements that bridge the collection portion and the optical inspection system. These markers provide stable, detectable reference points that enable accurate determination of sample positions and orientations, facilitating precise identification and inspection without complicating the overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A device is described including a lid, a collection portion support, and a collection portion with a surface for receiving a biological sample, the lid includes a window and a window holder, the surface defines a first plane, the collection portion includes a first, a second, and a third position markers, each position marker indicates a center point marker, the center points define a second plane that has a line of intersection with the first plane, the device has an interior volume defined partially by the collection portion support, the collection portion, the window, and the window holder, the window allows visual inspection of the position markers, the collection portion support has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet with a fluid path from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet via the interior volume.