Cervical Cell Collection Collector with Collapsible Pad for Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cervical cancer screening methods, such as the Pap smear, require professional assistance and are not readily available to all women, leading to accessibility and comfort issues, with existing personal collection devices failing to achieve meaningful adoption due to contamination and usability limitations.
Innovation Solution
A cervical cell collection device and kit that allows patients to collect cervical cells personally, featuring a collapsible collection pad and guide assembly for easy insertion and expansion to contact the cervix, providing feedback and minimizing contamination, along with a method for sample collection and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a personal cervical cell collection device is used, then accessibility and comfort are improved, but sample contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device employs a nested structure where the inner guide assembly with the collection sponge is positioned within the outer guide assembly. The aperture in the outer guide assembly allows the inner assembly to extend outward to contact the cervix while remaining protected during insertion and removal, preventing contamination during the collection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture structure serves as an intermediary mechanism that allows the collection sponge to contact the cervix while maintaining protection. The sponge extends through the aperture to collect cells and then retracts back into the protective housing, acting as a mediator between the user's internal environment and the external collection mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a personal cervical cell collection device is used, then professional assistance is eliminated, but collection consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic movement between the inner and outer guide assemblies. The inner assembly can be moved relative to the outer assembly to extend the collection sponge through the aperture for cell collection and then retract it for safe removal. This dynamic mechanism guides the user through consistent motions to achieve reliable sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection device is divided into distinct functional segments: the outer guide assembly providing protection and structure, the inner guide assembly containing the collection mechanism, and the collection sponge itself. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to ensure consistent collection results.
3Productivity
If the collection pad is exposed during insertion, then collection efficiency is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection sponge is pre-positioned within the inner guide assembly in a protected state during insertion. The aperture is designed to allow the sponge to extend outward only when properly positioned against the cervix, ensuring that the collection surface is exposed at the optimal moment for efficient cell collection while minimizing exposure time and contamination risk.
Data Source
AI summary
A cervical cell collection device, kit and method for the collection of cervical cells is provided. In some embodiments, the cervical cell collection device comprises an outer guide assembly having a distal end section with an aperture there through; an inner assembly positioned within the outer guide assembly, the inner assembly having a distal end with a collapsible collection pad secured thereto by a flexible collection support, wherein the inner assembly is movable from a first position where the collection pad is folded inside distal end section of the outer guide assembly to a second position where the collection pad is pushed through the aperture in the distal end of the outer guide assembly where it expands to contact and collect cervical cells.