Dermal Patch System with Actuating Lever for Sample Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dermal patches for collecting physiological samples face challenges such as low sensitivity and specificity, and the inability to store samples within the patch, making at-home collection and analysis impractical.
Innovation Solution
A dermal patch system with a reservoir for processing fluid, a needle for sample collection, and a sensor for analyte detection, which includes an actuating lever to draw and process samples, and a sample collection chamber for storage, allowing for enhanced sensitivity and specificity in sample collection and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dermal patch is designed to collect physiological samples at home, then patient comfort and cooperation are improved, but sample preservation and storage capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patch incorporates preservation fluid in advance within the collection chamber, prepared before sample collection. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the sample is collected, preservation conditions are already in place, solving both the comfort of home collection and the reliability of sample preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
A preservation fluid acts as an intermediary substance between the collected physiological sample and the external environment. This fluid mediates the interaction by chemically preserving the sample's analytical properties, enabling reliable storage and transport without requiring laboratory conditions.
2Device complexity
If a dermal patch includes only collection functionality, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and sensitivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patch merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: sample collection via dermal access, sample preservation through fluid mixing, and analyte detection via incorporated sensors. This combination maintains measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of separate devices by integrating them into one cohesive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The dermal patch is designed as a multi-functional device that can collect, preserve, and analyze physiological samples. This universal design allows the single device to perform multiple operations that would otherwise require separate instruments, maintaining analytical capability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Device complexity
If a dermal patch uses minimal processing fluid, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but sample analysis capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patch uses a controlled amount of preservation fluid—enough to ensure adequate mixing and preservation of the sample for accurate analysis, but not excessive amounts that would complicate the device or waste resources. This partial action approach optimizes the balance between analysis capability and device simplicity.
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
Enables efficient and accurate collection and storage of physiological samples with enhanced sensitivity and specificity, facilitating at-home testing and reducing discomfort by integrating processing and detection capabilities within the patch.
Implementation Method 1
The applicator may include a pump. The pump creates a vacuum within the dermal patch when the actuating lever is moved to the deployed position. This vacuum draws the physiological sample into the collection chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for collecting a physiological sample includes a dermal patch configured for attaching to a subject's skin and an applicator for coupling to the dermal patch. The dermal patch includes a reservoir configured to store a processing fluid, a sample collection chamber for receiving the processing fluid and a physiological sample extracted from a subject. The applicator includes at least one actuating lever for activating the dermal patch to receive the physiological sample from the subject and directing the physiological sample into the sample collection chamber.