Blood Collection Device with Integrated Time and Environmental Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood sample collection devices lack the capability to accurately record the time and environmental conditions of sample collection, which is crucial for enhancing test accuracy and ensuring sample validity, and do not efficiently manage inventory or detect expired devices.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held blood sample collection device equipped with sensors that record the time and environmental conditions upon closure or blood detection, using electronic or passive sensors to provide data for improved test accuracy and inventory management, and to prevent the use of expired devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple blood collection devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to record time and environmental conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blood collection chamber with integrated sensors and recording mechanisms into a single unified device. The sensors detect blood presence and environmental conditions, while the recording mechanism captures time and condition data, merging multiple functions into one system that eliminates the need for separate recording devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection device is designed to perform multiple functions: collecting blood samples, detecting blood presence, monitoring environmental conditions, recording time data, and preserving sample integrity. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate devices for each function, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and information recording capability.
2Device complexity
If manual recording methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of collection time and conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual recording methods with automated electronic sensors and recording mechanisms. Sensors automatically detect blood presence, environmental conditions, and time data, eliminating human error and ensuring precise, consistent measurement without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-recording of collection time and environmental conditions through integrated sensors and recording mechanisms. The system automatically monitors and logs data without external intervention, ensuring precise measurement while maintaining simple device operation through autonomous functionality.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then reliability of sample validity is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring at critical stages of sample collection and transport rather than continuous monitoring. Sensors detect blood presence during collection, record environmental conditions at transfer points, and monitor throughout transport, providing reliable validation at key moments without requiring constant active monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The recording mechanism serves as an intermediary that passively captures and stores time and environmental data without requiring active energy consumption or complex processing. This intermediary approach ensures reliable monitoring while maintaining device simplicity through passive data recording and storage.
4Use of energy by moving object
If passive sensors are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but measurement precision and data accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive sensors as intermediaries that automatically detect and record environmental conditions and time data without requiring active energy consumption. These sensors passively monitor and store information, ensuring accurate data collection while maintaining low energy usage through their passive operational mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive sensors perform self-measurement and recording of environmental conditions and time data without external energy input. The system leverages the natural properties of the sensors to automatically capture data, ensuring measurement precision while eliminating the need for active power consumption during monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A blood sample collection device includes a two-piece housing that encompasses a port at which a fingertip blood sample is collected. After the sample is taken, the two-piece housing is moved to a closed position to protect and optionally process the sample. A sample event detection circuit triggers a recording of a time when the sample was taken. The sample event detection circuit may determine when the housing is closed, or may detect the presence of blood in or near the sample port. The electronics may optionally record environmental conditions such as temperature or humidity, etc. at the time the sample is taken. The recorded data may then be used to enhance the value or accuracy of lab test, or for other purposes, such as inventory management.