Biopsy Needle Sample Collection With Tangential Wiper Detachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for collecting biological samples from biopsy needles often fail to properly detach the sample from the needle due to varying forces of attachment, leading to incomplete transfer to the cassette.

Innovation Solution

A device and method involving a pre-defined trajectory for displacing the sample parallel or tangentially to the needle surface, using a movable member or wiper to detach the sample from the needle and attach it to a cassette with an adhering surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a core biopsy needle is used to obtain tissue sample, then a biological sample can be collected from the organ, but the sample may remain attached to the needle due to varying forces of attachment, leading to incomplete transfer to the cassette

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample transfer completenessVSAvoidcollection device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional components: a needle bed for supporting the biopsy needle, a cassette holder for positioning the cassette, and a base for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to solve the sample transfer problem

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The needle bed acts as an intermediary component between the biopsy needle and the cassette. It provides a controlled environment for sample detachment by positioning the needle in a predetermined orientation that facilitates complete sample transfer to the cassette while preventing sample loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the cassette is moved close to the needle to collect the sample, then the sample can be transferred to the cassette, but the sample may not fully detach due to localized strong attachment forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample detachment completenessVSAvoidsample collection process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The needle bed is configured to position the biopsy needle in a predetermined position and orientation before sample collection. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the cassette is brought close, the sample is already in the optimal configuration for complete detachment and transfer, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation during the collection process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of manually manipulating the needle to detach the sample, the device inverts the approach by using the needle bed and cassette holder to control the relative positions and orientations. The system manages the detachment process through controlled movement and positioning rather than direct manual manipulation of the needle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If a predetermined position is used for the needle bed, then the sample transfer process is simplified, but the device structure becomes more complex with tracks and movable members

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample collection operationVSAvoiddevice mechanical structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the entire device, houses the track for the movable member, supports the needle bed, and anchors the cassette holder. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure despite the predetermined positioning requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures complete and efficient transfer of biological samples from biopsy needles to cassettes by overcoming localized strong attachment forces, preventing partial detachment and ensuring full adhesion to the cassette.

Implementation Method 1

a wiper configured to displace the biological sample supported on the needle tangentially along a surface of the needle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a cassette configured to adhere to the biological sample upon contacting the biological sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20250255590A1Device and method for collecting biological samples from a beam

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 UC CARE

AI summary

A device for collecting a biological sample from a biopsy needle includes a housing that can be used to support a biopsy needle, and a cassette that has an adhering surface. The collecting of the biological sample from a biopsy needle includes engaging the adhering surface of the cassette with the biopsy needle and after that urging relative motion between the biopsy needle and the adhering surface in order to assist in collecting the biological sample from the biopsy needle.