Three-Tiered Sample Preparation Device with Calibrated Punches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample preparation devices for materials like stool, mud, soil, and animal tissues face issues with inconvenient handling, unreliable calibration, and risk of contamination, leading to unreliable analysis results.
Innovation Solution
A device with a three-stage structure comprising cuvettes, a support with a perforable lid, and movable punches for creating calibrated solid samples, allowing for easy handling and minimizing contamination risks, enabling simultaneous preparation of multiple samples from a single material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional sampling devices (swabs, strips, spatulas) are used for stool sampling, then the sampling process is simple, but the sample calibration is unreliable and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the sampling process into distinct functional stages: a collection receptacle for receiving the stool sample, a calibration stage with punched samples of known volume, and a transfer mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary calibration stage between the stool collection and the final analysis. Calibrated punched samples serve as intermediaries that bridge the uncalibrated stool sample and the analytical instrument, ensuring accurate calibration without direct contamination of the final sample.
2Device complexity
If manual sampling methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but contamination risk and handling inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where the calibration stage is positioned within the collection receptacle, and the punch mechanism operates within the calibrated sample area. This nesting allows multiple functions to be integrated in a compact arrangement, reducing the number of separate components and minimizing contamination interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service calibration where the punched samples automatically provide known calibration volumes without requiring external reference materials or complex calibration procedures. The system calibrates itself through the geometric precision of the punched samples.
3Productivity
If single-sample preparation methods are used, then the procedure is simple, but productivity and analysis throughput are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple sampling functions into a single integrated system: collection of stool samples, creation of calibrated punched samples, and preparation of multiple analysis samples can be performed in one operational sequence. This consolidation increases productivity without significantly complicating the user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions: it collects stool samples, creates calibrated calibration standards, prepares multiple analysis samples, and maintains contamination-free handling. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle various stages of sample preparation that would otherwise require multiple separate tools.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for preparing one or more calibrated solid samples for analysis from the same sample (P) of material, said device comprising a body and a three-tiered superposed structure that comprises: - a first tier comprising one or more cuvettes (13, 130) each intended to receive a dissolution or re-suspension liquid (14, 140); - a second tier comprising a support secured to the body that comprises at least one perforatable lid (16, 160) covering the opening of each cuvette; - a third tier that comprises a sampling device comprising one or more movable punches (12, 120); - each punch (12, 120) translationally engaging with said body, between at least one rest state, in which the punch (12, 120) is in line with the deposition surface (S), and an actuated state, in which the punch is located inside said cuvette (13, 130).