Closed-Chamber Fluid Sampling with Capillary Reservoir Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collecting a fluid sample from a closed chamber, such as a blood collection tube, is challenging due to spilling or smearing issues when using conventional methods, which require expertise, additional accessories, and expose the sample to contamination by opening the tube, and the user is exposed to blood during the process.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a hollow piercing member and a reservoir with a sidewall opening, allowing capillary access to the fluid sample within the reservoir, which maintains the chamber closed, preventing contamination and spillage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the blood collection tube is tilted at an angle to fill the capillary using passive capillary action, then the capillary can be filled, but the sample may spill out of the tube or smear the outside of the capillary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transfer surface as an intermediary between the blood collection tube and the capillary. The transfer surface receives blood from the tube and allows the capillary to draw sample from this controlled surface, eliminating the need to tilt the tube and preventing spillage or smearing during the process
2Ease of operation
If the blood collection tube is opened to access the sample, then the sample can be accessed, but the sample is exposed to possible contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer surface acts as a controlled intermediary that allows sample access without opening the blood collection tube. The tube remains closed throughout the process, and the transfer surface provides a clean interface for sample transfer, preventing contamination while maintaining ease of operation
3Ease of operation
If a pipette and clean surface are used to extract sample, then the sample can be transferred, but the process requires several cumbersome steps and additional accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the transfer surface and capillary access into a single integrated component. The transfer surface is designed with a well that directly receives the capillary, combining what were previously separate steps (pipetting, surface preparation, capillary insertion) into one streamlined operation, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation
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 device allows for easy and safe extraction of fluid samples without opening the chamber, maintaining the sample inside the reservoir even when tilted, and eliminating the need for additional tools like pipettes, preserving a clean working environment.
Implementation Method 1
The reservoir is configured to retain a volume of fluid sample by way of capillary force to thereby prevent undesired flow of fluid sample through the opening in the sidewall
Implementation Method 2
upon entering the closed chamber, a portion of the fluid sample may flow from the closed chamber, via a pumping action, and through the hollow piercing member, and into the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for extracting a fluid sample from a closed chamber and providing access to a volume of the extracted fluid sample for subsequent collection via a sampler device associated with a cartridge for delivering the volume of extracted fluid sample to a compatible diagnostic instrument for analyzing the fluid sample.