Dermal Patch Lancet and Vacuum Cartridge for Reliable Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for monitoring biomarkers, such as drawing blood samples, are invasive and painful, leading to discomfort and reduced cooperation, especially in children, and existing continuous monitoring devices suffer from low sensitivity and specificity.
Innovation Solution
A dermal patch system with a lancet that automatically punctures the skin, a cartridge for sample collection, and a vacuum mechanism to draw and store physiological samples on a specimen collection pad, ensuring safety and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional blood sampling methods are used, then physiological samples can be collected, but the process is invasive and painful causing discomfort and reduced cooperation
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a lancet module for puncturing, a cartridge module for sample collection, and a vacuum module for fluid transport. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide reliable sampling with minimal pain through controlled, localized puncture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vacuum chamber as an intermediary mechanism between the lancet puncture site and the sample collection pad. This vacuum intermediary actively draws the physiological sample through capillary channels, eliminating the need for manual pressure application and reducing the invasive impact on the subject
2Measurement precision
If invasive blood sampling is performed, then accurate biomarker monitoring is achieved, but cooperation is reduced especially in children
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs sample collection automatically once activated. The vacuum mechanism self-regulates to draw the sample through the capillary channels without requiring manual intervention or pressure from the subject. This automated self-service approach maintains measurement precision while significantly improving ease of operation and subject cooperation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of sample collection by using vacuum pressure differentials instead of manual pressure or capillary action alone. The vacuum chamber creates controlled negative pressure that actively draws the sample through the capillary channels, improving flow control and reducing the invasive sensation for the subject
3Productivity
If continuous monitoring devices are used, then biomarker monitoring is possible, but sensitivity and specificity are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical blood drawing with an automated vacuum-based fluid transport system. The vacuum chamber uses pressure differentials to actively draw the sample through capillary channels, providing more reliable and sensitive detection compared to conventional methods, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining continuous monitoring capability
4Ease of operation
If a lancet with needle is used for puncture, then physiological sample can be drawn, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated modules: the lancet module combines the needle and housing in a single unit, the cartridge module integrates the vacuum chamber and capillary channels, and the sample collection pad is incorporated into the same assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure 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 system provides a non-invasive, efficient, and reliable method for collecting and analyzing physiological samples, reducing discomfort and improving compliance by allowing easy and accurate monitoring of biomarkers.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pin disposed within the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pin is configured to create a vacuum within the cartridge
Implementation Method 2
moving the vacuum pin from the undeployed position to the deployed position creates a vacuum within the dermal patch that causes the drawn physiological sample to travel to the physiological sample collection pad
Implementation Method 3
a lancet having at least one needle configured for puncturing the subject's skin
Implementation Method 4
a physiological sample channel in open communication with the vacuum channel and the physiological sample well
Data Source
AI summary
A device for collecting a physiological sample from a subject includes a lancet with a needle that is configured to puncture the subject's skin and a cartridge configured to engage with the lancet. The lancet is configured to transition the needle from an undeployed position to a deployed position in response to engagement with the cartridge, thereby allowing the needle to puncture the subject's skin.