Double Bottom Test Tube Centrifugation Design

Solution Overview

Problem

The repositioning of collection devices within test tubes during centrifugation is a source of contamination and increases personnel time and effort, as it requires removing and repositioning the device to prevent specimen reabsorption.

Innovation Solution

A double bottom test tube design featuring two connected tubular sections with rounded ends, allowing the collection device to be inserted in either section, eliminating the need for repositioning by securing the open ends with a connector, enabling centrifugation without disrupting the specimen collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the collection device is repositioned during centrifugation, then the specimen is prevented from reabsorption, but contamination risk increases and personnel time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecimen integrityVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The test tube is divided into two separate tubular sections, each with its own rounded closed end. The collection device remains in one section while centrifugation occurs in the other section, physically separating the collection function from the centrifugation function and eliminating contamination risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A connector serves as an intermediary element that joins the two tubular sections together. This connector enables the test tube to function as a single unit during centrifugation while maintaining the physical separation between the collection device and the centrifugation chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the collection device is repositioned during centrifugation, then the specimen is prevented from reabsorption, but personnel time and effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecimen integrityVSAvoidpersonnel processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The test tube is divided into two separate tubular sections, each with its own rounded closed end. The collection device remains in one section while centrifugation occurs in the other section, physically separating the collection function from the centrifugation function and eliminating contamination risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A connector serves as an intermediary element that joins the two tubular sections together. This connector enables the test tube to function as a single unit during centrifugation while maintaining the physical separation between the collection device and the centrifugation chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single bottom test tube is used, then the device complexity is low, but the collection device must be repositioned causing contamination and additional work

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest tube structureVSAvoidspecimen processing operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The test tube is divided into two separate tubular sections, each with its own rounded closed end. The collection device remains in one section while centrifugation occurs in the other section, physically separating the collection function from the centrifugation function and eliminating contamination risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A connector serves as an intermediary element that joins the two tubular sections together. This connector enables the test tube to function as a single unit during centrifugation while maintaining the physical separation between the collection device and the centrifugation chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This design reduces contamination and simplifies the specimen processing by allowing centrifugation without repositioning the collection device, thereby minimizing contamination and personnel time.

Implementation Method 1

centrifuging the double ended test tube wherein the centrifuged sample collects in an opposite end of the double ended test tube holding the absorbent section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS11090647B2Double bottom test tube kit and method therefore

Publication Date: 2021.08.17 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY US

AI summary

A double bottom test tube has a first tubular section having an open end and a rounded closed end. A second tubular section has an open end and a rounded closed end. The open end of the first tubular section is couplable to the open end of the second tubular section.