Collection Assembly with Nested Snap-Connect for Low Residual Volume

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collection assemblies for small body fluids, such as blood samples, face challenges in achieving ideal component geometry, dimensional stability, and a secure mutual connection without material accumulation or distortion, while also allowing for efficient manufacturing and assembly.

Innovation Solution

A collection assembly comprising a sample container with a hollow-cylindrical first container wall section and a hollow-conically shaped second section, along with an extender element featuring a calotte-shaped base wall and a coupling device with cooperating coupling elements, allowing for a positively locked connection and individual component design with ideal geometry, preventing material accumulation and distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If multiple tube sections are joined together to achieve standard dimensions, then the collection assembly can accommodate small sample volumes, but material accumulation and distortion occur at the connection points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample volumeVSAvoiddimensional accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The collection tube is divided into multiple hollow-cylindrical sections (first tube section, second tube section, third tube section) that are joined together. Each section can be manufactured separately with ideal geometry for the intended sample volume, then connected through overlapping sections to achieve standard outer dimensions without material accumulation distortion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tube sections are nested within each other through overlapping portions, where the second tube section is inserted into the first tube section, and the third tube section is inserted into the second tube section. This nesting arrangement allows precise dimensional control at each section while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If tube sections are connected to form standard dimensions, then small sample volumes can be collected, but the mutual connection security is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample volumeVSAvoidconnection security

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Coupling elements are pre-formed on the tube sections during manufacturing. These coupling elements include cooperative features such as ridges and grooves that are prepared in advance to ensure secure mechanical interlocking when sections are assembled, preventing unintended separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The base of the collection tube features a calotte-shaped (spheroidal) structure that provides stable geometric form and facilitates secure coupling. The curved geometry of the base and coupling elements enhances mechanical interlocking and prevents disconnection during handling and centrifugation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If complex coupling devices are added to secure tube connections, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling elements are integrated directly into the tube sections themselves rather than being separate components. The coupling features are formed as part of the tube section geometry, combining the structural and coupling functions into a unified design that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining secure connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tube sections are designed to self-align and self-lock through their inherent geometric features during assembly. The coupling elements automatically engage when sections are joined, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Length of stationary object

If multiple tube sections are joined together, then standard dimensions are achieved, but manufacturing time and cooling time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetube lengthVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tube is segmented into multiple sections that can be manufactured simultaneously in parallel using multiple injection molds. This allows the manufacturing process to scale efficiently, reducing total production time while achieving the required overall length through assembly of pre-manufactured sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11305286B2Collection assembly or test tube for a small amount of a body fluid, comprising an extender element

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 GREINER BIO-ONE GMBH(AT)

AI summary

The invention relates to a collection assembly (1) for small amounts of body fluids, comprising a sample container (2) and an extender element (3). The sample container (2) has a base (13) and a container wall (5) with a first container wall section (6) and a second container wall section (7) adjoining same. The second container wall section (7) is formed hollow-conically and projects into the extender element (3). Moreover, a coupling device (25) with a first coupling element (26) and a second coupling element (27) is provided. When the coupling elements (26, 27) are in coupled engagement, the extender element (3) is coupled to the sample container (2) in a positively locked manner in the form of a snap connection establishing the collection assembly (1).