Collection Disk Swab Structure for Faster Specimen Uptake
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional specimen collection swabs require prolonged insertion, risk fiber separation, and result in insufficient specimen collection, leading to discomfort and reduced examination accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A specimen collection stick with a rod-shaped support unit and a specimen collection unit featuring a hub with collection disks and recesses, eliminating the need for a fiber layer, allowing for increased specimen absorption and reduced collection time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fiber layer is used in the conventional swab for specimen collection, then the swab can collect the specimen, but the fiber layer may be separated from the collection unit and remain in the subject's body, causing medical problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fiber layer entirely from the swab structure, replacing it with a solid collection head made of flexible material that directly contacts the specimen. This extraction of the problematic fiber layer eliminates the risk of fiber separation while maintaining specimen collection capability through the flexible collection head surface.
2Quantity of substance
If the swab remains inserted in the oral cavity or nasal cavity for a predetermined time for saliva to permeate the fiber layer, then the specimen can be collected, but the subject experiences great discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible collection head is pre-designed with high absorption capability and large surface area, allowing it to rapidly absorb the specimen during a brief insertion. This preliminary preparation of the collection head structure enables quick specimen uptake, eliminating the need for prolonged insertion time required by conventional fiber-layer swabs.
3Quantity of substance
If a conventional swab with fiber layer is used, then the specimen can be collected, but the amount of specimen collected is insufficient, lowering examination accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple advantageous features into the collection head: flexible material for conforming to tissue surfaces, large surface area for increased contact, and high absorption capacity. This merging of features into a single integrated collection head enables sufficient specimen collection for accurate examination, overcoming the limitations of conventional fiber-layer swabs.
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 design enhances specimen collection efficiency, reduces discomfort, prevents fiber separation, and improves examination accuracy by increasing the amount of specimen collected.
Implementation Method 1
a specimen permeates the fiber layer formed on the collection unit of the conventional swab
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a specimen collection stick including a specimen collection unit, wherein the specimen collection unit includes a plurality of collection disks arranged in a longitudinal direction of a hub, the hub of the specimen collection unit is provided therein with an empty receiving space capable of receiving a specimen formed along a central axis of the hub in the longitudinal direction thereof, whereby it is possible to increase the amount of a specimen that is collected from a subject and to increase the amount of the collected specimen that is dissolved or dispersed in a reagent or a solution from the specimen collection stick.