Biopsy Punch Pen Spring-Loaded Plunger Tissue Preservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biopsy punch pens fail to adequately preserve and efficiently obtain tissue samples, leading to degraded samples and ineffective sampling processes.

Innovation Solution

A handheld biopsy punch pen assembly with a spring-loaded pen mechanism and sampling housing that allows for selective coupling and uncoupling of a skin puncturing assembly, enabling efficient sampling and storage of tissue samples without degradation, using a distal tip with blade members and a plunger translation path for precise sampling and retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing biopsy punch pens are used, then the device structure is simple, but the tissue samples are degraded and not adequately preserved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue sample preservation qualityVSAvoidpunch pen structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The biopsy punch pen is divided into separate functional modules: a body housing, a sampling housing containing the cutting tip, a preserving solution reservoir, and a plunger mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system reliability for tissue preservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A preserving solution is introduced as an intermediary substance between the tissue sample and the external environment. The solution immediately contacts the sampled tissue upon extraction, preventing degradation through chemical preservation while the mechanical structure provides physical protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If existing biopsy punch pens are used, then the device is easy to operate, but the tissue sampling process is ineffective and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue sampling efficiencyVSAvoidpunch pen operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tip and sampling housing are pre-assembled and pre-filled with preserving solution before use. The device is pre-loaded with the necessary components to perform effective tissue sampling immediately upon activation, eliminating setup time and ensuring sampling efficiency from the first use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sampling function and preservation function are merged into a single integrated action. When the plunger is activated, it simultaneously drives the cutting tip through the tissue and dispenses preserving solution onto the sample, achieving both effective sampling and immediate preservation in one efficient motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If existing biopsy punch pens are used, then the device is lightweight, but the tissue samples are not effectively obtained from the user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue sample acquisition effectivenessVSAvoidpunch pen weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device concentrates mass where it is most beneficial: the cutting tip and sampling housing contain the necessary preserving solution and cutting mechanism, while the body housing provides structural support. This local quality distribution ensures effective tissue acquisition at the sampling point without unnecessarily increasing overall device weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively captures and retains targeted skin samples for subsequent testing, preventing degradation and allowing for safe and efficient sampling, making it suitable for both medical professionals and general users.

Implementation Method 1

a spring member surrounding a portion of the plunger member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11272908B2Handheld biopsy punch pen

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 WILL RICHARDSON M D P A

AI summary

A handheld biopsy punch pen assembly with a first sampling housing selectively removably couplable to a body of the assembly and having a skin puncturing assembly disposed therein that includes a distal tip and with at least one blade member disposed thereon. The assembly includes a spring-loaded pen assembly operably configured to have a loaded position with the distal tip of the skin puncturing assembly recessed, a sampling position with the distal tip projecting outwardly away from the lower end of the first sampling housing for sampling of a user's skin and with the distal end the plunger member directly coupled to the skin puncturing assembly, and a retracted position with the distal tip projecting outwardly away from, and disposed a length away from, the lower end of the first sampling housing and with the distal end the plunger member uncoupled to the skin puncturing assembly.