Capillary Sampling Collector for Single-Use Quantitative Reagent Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical testing equipment calibration controls are inconvenient to use, prone to reagent waste due to multiple-serving packaging, and require complex operations, leading to inaccurate results.
Innovation Solution
A sampling device with a capillary structure and clamping mechanism for precise reagent storage and delivery, allowing for individual use and direct integration into test vessels without redissolving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If controls are provided in multiple-serving packaged form (bottled freeze-dried powder or bottled liquid), then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of substance increases due to reagent waste when not used up within expiry time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multiple-serving package into multiple single-serving capsules. Each capsule contains a pre-measured dose of control reagent, allowing users to use only one capsule at a time. This segmentation eliminates the need to open a large bottle and prevents reagent waste from unused portions, while still providing convenient multiple-serving capability through a box of individual capsules.
Solution Approach 2:
The control reagent is pre-portioned into individual capsules during manufacturing, with each capsule containing the exact amount needed for one test. This preliminary action of pre-measuring and packaging eliminates the need for users to perform dosing operations themselves, preventing both over-dosing and under-dosing errors, and ensuring that unused reagent in other capsules remains stable until use.
2Stability of the object's composition
If bottled freeze-dried powder controls are used, then the storage stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to required redissolving and complicated operation process
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the reagent into pre-prepared liquid-filled capsules, the patent eliminates the redissolving step entirely. Each capsule comes ready-to-use in liquid form, maintaining the stability benefits of frozen storage while dramatically simplifying the operation to just insertion and reading, with no preparation steps required by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable single-use capsules that are discarded after one use. This approach prioritizes ease of operation by providing a simple insert-and-read workflow, while the individual packaging maintains reagent stability without requiring complex preparation or handling procedures.
3Device complexity
If manual sampling is performed for POCT products, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to sampling amount deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule itself performs the sampling function automatically through its capillary structure. When the capsule is inserted into the test vessel, the capillary wick automatically absorbs the required amount of sample fluid through capillary action without any manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures precise sampling amounts while keeping the device simple and easy to use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling operations with passive capillary action. Instead of requiring users to manually pipette or transfer samples, the capillary structure within the capsule automatically draws in the precise amount of sample needed through physical capillary forces, eliminating human error and improving measurement precision.
4Measurement precision
If additional sampling devices (pipette) are used to absorb controls or calibrator, then the measurement precision can be improved, but the device complexity increases and operation steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sampling function directly into the control capsule itself. The capillary structure is integrated within the capsule, combining the reagent storage, sampling, and delivery functions into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate pipettes or sampling devices, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise sampling through the built-in capillary mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule serves multiple functions: it stores the control reagent, performs the sampling operation, and delivers the sample to the test vessel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate tools and devices, simplifying the overall system while ensuring precise and consistent sampling through the integrated capillary structure.
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
Facilitates quick, quantitative, and accurate reagent sampling, reducing waste and simplifying operations while maintaining reagent stability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the collector includes a capillary structure in which a capillary channel is disposed
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling device comprises a handle and a collector. The collector is connected to the handle. The collector has a capillary function and is able to automatically suction a liquid reagent or sample. The sampling device is able to suction a required amount of the reagent or sample quickly, conveniently and quantitatively. The sampling device can be product conveniently, and may achieve micro-quantitative sampling. The reagent is stored in the collector of the sampling device in the form of a dry powder, which may achieve the individual packaging of the detection reagent.