Breath Sampling Tip With Cheek-Inserted Tube
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breath sampling devices are prone to measurement noise and lack reproducibility due to dependence on skilled practitioners and vulnerability to oral cavity conditions, leading to suboptimal characterization of target compounds in breath samples.
Innovation Solution
A sampling device with a tip featuring a retention tab and a removable sampling pipe, designed to be partially inserted into the oral cavity, which seals the mouth and prevents tongue contact with the sampling pipe, along with a protective tab to shield the sampling area from saliva and humidity, improving sample collection and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a breath sampling mouthpiece is used, then breath samples can be collected, but the sampling process requires strict implementation by trained practitioners and results are poorly reproducible
Solution Approach 1:
The patient performs the sampling themselves by inserting the tip into their own oral cavity and activating the pump, eliminating the need for trained practitioners. The device includes clear instructions and intuitive design that enable self-sampling while maintaining sample quality and reproducibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes a one-way valve system that acts as an intermediary between the oral cavity and sampling tube, ensuring proper sample collection without requiring practitioner expertise. The valve automatically controls the sampling process, preventing contamination and ensuring consistent sample quality.
2Measurement precision
If a breath sampling mouthpiece is used, then breath samples can be collected, but the samples are vulnerable to disturbances from oral cavity physicochemical conditions leading to measurement noise
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling tube is separated from the oral cavity environment by being inserted through the cheek, extracting the sampling function from the problematic oral environment. This positioning prevents direct contact with saliva, tongue movements, and other sources of measurement noise while still accessing breath samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a disposable tip that is discarded after a single use, eliminating cross-contamination between patients and ensuring each sample is collected in optimal conditions. The disposable nature ensures consistent quality without the need for sterilization or maintenance.
3Productivity
If an oropharyngeal mouthpiece with main opening is used, then gas measurements can be taken, but the device is not suitable for taking breath samples due to the main opening
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling function is extracted from the oral cavity by positioning the sampling tube through the cheek, eliminating the need for an oropharyngeal approach with its problematic main opening. This allows the device to function as both a seal and a sampling interface without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from the traditional oropharyngeal approach to a buccal (cheek) approach, changing the spatial dimension of sample collection. This dimensional change allows the tip to seal the oral cavity effectively while the sampling tube accesses breath samples from a different pathway that doesn't compromise the seal.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (2) for collecting a breath sample from a user, the device containing target compounds intended to be characterised using an analysis device (3), and comprising: a tip (10) for collecting the breath sample, the tip comprising a first tongue (15) referred to as the compression tongue, and a sampling tube (4) intended to be connected to the analysis device (3) and passing through an inner pipe (13) of the tip (10) and extending along the longitudinal axis away from and opposite the compression tongue (15).