Integrated Breath Condensate Sampling Device for Viral Diagnostics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sample collection and testing methods for viral diagnostics, such as Covid-19, are costly, time-consuming, and require trained professionals, often involving uncomfortable nasopharyngeal swabs and are prone to contamination due to multiple steps and devices.

Innovation Solution

A single, integrated sample collection and testing device that collects airflow and tests for pathogens using a porous sample collection media and an assay within a single unit, allowing for rapid, efficient, and cost-effective testing without the need for nasopharyngeal swabs, with a two-part design for easy replacement of components and reduced contamination risk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional nasopharyngeal swab methods are used, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but user comfort deteriorates and testing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the sampling function from the uncomfortable nasopharyngeal insertion by using a mouthpiece that collects exhaled breath condensate, separating the collection site from the analysis site while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through condensed vapor analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces exhaled breath condensate as an intermediary medium that carries viral particles from the respiratory tract to the collection device, avoiding direct contact with the nasopharyngeal area while preserving diagnostic capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple separate devices and steps are used for sample collection and testing, then sample collection capability is improved, but device complexity increases and contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample collection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices and steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sample collection function and the diagnostic testing function into a single integrated device, where the mouthpiece collects exhaled breath condensate and the built-in assay immediately tests for viral presence, eliminating the need for separate collection containers and laboratory processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single device performs multiple functions: collecting exhaled breath, condensing the vapor to form condensate, filtering the condensate, and performing the viral detection assay, thereby replacing multiple specialized devices with one multi-functional unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple transfer steps are involved in sample processing, then sample collection is improved, but contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample collectionVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By combining collection and testing in one device, the patent eliminates the transfer step between collection container and testing apparatus, removing the contamination risk associated with sample transfer while maintaining collection integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables rapid, efficient, and cost-effective viral testing that can be performed by laypersons without prior training, minimizing contamination and eliminating the need for laboratory processing, while reducing discomfort and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a porous sample collection media disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the air channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a fluid inlet port defining a hole through the housing and disposed in fluid communication with the porous sample collection media, wherein the fluid inlet port is configured to direct a test fluid onto the porous sample collection media

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 3

an assay disposed within the housing and contacting the porous sample collection media, wherein the assay is configured to receive a fluid from the porous sample collection media

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiochemical detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20240180443A1Sample Collection Device and Method

Publication Date: 2024.06.06 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a sample collection device. The sample collection device includes a housing defining a fluid channel from a first portion to a second portion. The sample collection device further includes a porous sample collection media disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid channel. The sample collection device further includes a fluid inlet port disposed in fluid communication with the porous sample collection media. The fluid inlet port is configured to direct a test fluid onto the porous sample collection media. The sample collection device further includes an assay configured to receive a fluid that was incident on the porous sample collection media.