Simultaneous Liquid Sample Applicator for Dual Card Comparative Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample taking devices lack efficiency in simultaneously applying a liquid sample to multiple sample cards, which are often used for comparative testing, such as in doping tests, and do not allow for separate handling and storage of the cards.
Innovation Solution
A sample taking device with an applicator unit that simultaneously applies a liquid sample to two identical sample cards, allowing for the creation of comparable sample spots on both cards, with a card carrier unit that holds and aligns the cards for efficient application and separate handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single sample card is used for testing, then the testing process is simple, but sample taking efficiency is low and comparative testing cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator unit is divided into multiple applicator elements (first applicator element, second applicator element) that can simultaneously apply liquid sample to multiple sample cards. Each applicator element has its own liquid sample supply channel, enabling independent control and simultaneous operation on multiple cards, thus increasing sample taking efficiency without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sample cards are held and aligned together on a single card carrier unit, and the applicator unit is designed to apply liquid sample to multiple cards simultaneously in one operation. This merging approach allows comparative testing (A sample and B sample) to be performed efficiently while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated design
2Ease of operation
If multiple sample cards are processed separately, then each card can be handled individually, but sample taking efficiency and operational comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The card carrier unit is designed to hold multiple sample cards (first sample card, second sample card) in a fixed relative position, allowing them to be processed together in one operation. The applicator unit simultaneously applies liquid sample to all cards, improving both operational comfort by reducing manual handling steps and productivity by creating multiple sample spots in parallel
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator unit is designed with universal applicability to handle multiple sample cards of the same type simultaneously. The card carrier unit provides a unified platform for holding, aligning, and processing multiple cards, making the device versatile for comparative testing scenarios while maintaining ease of operation
3Productivity
If sample spots are created on multiple cards simultaneously, then sampling efficiency is enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator unit is segmented into multiple independent applicator elements, each with its own liquid sample supply channel. This segmentation allows each element to function independently while working in parallel, achieving simultaneous sample application to multiple cards without requiring an overly complex integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from sequential single-card processing to parallel multi-card processing by adding spatial dimensionality. Multiple sample cards are arranged in a specific configuration on the card carrier unit, and the applicator unit is designed to access all cards simultaneously, improving sampling efficiency while managing complexity through spatial organization
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
Enhances sampling efficiency by enabling simultaneous application of a liquid sample to two sample cards, allowing for comparative testing while allowing the cards to be transported and stored separately, improving operational comfort and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The sample card comprises at least one sample carrier, which is in particular made of filter paper and is configured for an absorption of the liquid in order to provide the sample spot
Data Source
AI summary
A sample taking device has an applicator unit for an application of a liquid sample to a first sample card, the applicator unit is in an application state configured for a simultaneous application of the liquid sample to a second sample card.