One-Way Breath Sample Valve for Cross-Contamination Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Re-use of breath-sample containers for collecting multiple samples leads to contamination, reducing the accuracy of subsequent analyses due to residual analyte molecules, and users may misuse these containers to minimize costs, further compromising results.
Innovation Solution
A breath-sample container with a valve that is configurable between two open configurations, one suitable for sample collection and another for extraction, but not reversible, ensuring the container is 'one-use' to prevent contamination and maintain sample integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If breath-sample containers are made reusable to reduce cost, then cost-effectiveness improves, but sample accuracy deteriorates due to contamination from residual analyte molecules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a disposable breath-sample container that is designed for single use only. The container includes a valve mechanism that becomes permanently open after the first sampling event, preventing any possibility of reuse. This ensures that each container provides a fresh, uncontaminated environment for sample collection, thereby maintaining high sample accuracy while preventing cross-contamination between patients.
2Device complexity
If a single valve controls both sample collection and extraction, then device complexity reduces, but functional versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic valve mechanism that automatically changes its flow characteristics based on the operational phase. During sample collection, the valve maintains a first open configuration that allows breath sample flow from the inlet to the chamber. During extraction, the valve transitions to a second open configuration that allows extraction fluid flow from the chamber through the inlet. This dynamic adaptation enables a single valve to perform multiple functions without requiring separate valve mechanisms for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism changes its operational parameters between two distinct states: a first open configuration for sample collection with specific flow rate characteristics, and a second open configuration for sample extraction with different flow rate characteristics. This parameter change allows the same physical valve structure to accommodate different operational requirements without increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the valve allows reversible configuration between open states, then operational flexibility improves, but sample integrity deteriorates due to potential re-contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a preliminary anti-action mechanism in the form of a one-way valve design that prevents reversal to the closed state after the first opening. The valve is engineered with a deformation element that permanently deforms upon first opening, creating a mechanical barrier that prevents the valve from returning to its closed configuration. This preliminary anti-action ensures that once the valve opens for sample collection or extraction, it cannot close again, thereby preventing any possibility of re-contamination and maintaining sample integrity throughout the process.
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 design prevents contamination and cross-contamination between samples and patients, enhancing the accuracy of analyte detection by ensuring each sample is collected in a fresh, uncontaminated environment, thus improving the reliability of breath analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The valve is configurable between at least a first open configuration for flow of breath sample from the inlet to the chamber up to a first flow rate, and a second open configuration for flow of breath sample from the inlet to the chamber at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3E
AI summary
A breath-sample contained (100) comprising an inlet (102) for receiving a breath sample, a wall (104) at least partially defining a chamber (106) for containing the breath sample, and a valve (110) between the inlet (102) and the chamber (106). The valve (110) is in fluid communication with the inlet (102) and the chamber (106), and is configurable between at least a first open configuration (110a) for flow of breath sample from the inlet (102) to the chamber (106) up to a first flow rate, and a second open configuration (110b) for flow of breath sample from the inlet (102) to the chamber (106) at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate. Once the valve (110) has been configured in the second open configuration (110b), the valve (110) cannot then reconfigure itself to the first open configuration (110a).