Dual-Chamber Sample Container with Float Seal

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sample collection containers fail to separate and preserve the most concentrated portions of biological samples, leading to dilution and potential loss during transit, which complicates laboratory analysis and wastes valuable sample for testing multiple ailments.

Innovation Solution

A sample collection container design featuring a dual-chamber structure with a float mechanism to separate and seal the first volume of the sample from the rest, preventing leakage and contamination, allowing for optimal extraction and analysis of the most concentrated sample portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional sample collection containers collect samples in a single compartment, then the container structure is simple, but the sample is diluted and cannot be separated into portions for different analyses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer structureVSAvoidsample concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into multiple compartments (first compartment and second compartment) that are separated by a partition wall. The first compartment has a reduced volume (20-40 mL) optimized for collecting the most concentrated sample portions, while the second compartment collects the remaining sample. This segmentation allows the sample to be separated into portions for different analyses without dilution, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and sample concentration preservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If the container size is reduced to 25 mL to preserve sample concentration, then sample dilution is prevented, but patient convenience is reduced and sample for multiple ailments is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample concentrationVSAvoidpatient convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into multiple compartments (first compartment and second compartment) that are separated by a partition wall. The first compartment has a reduced volume (20-40 mL) optimized for collecting the most concentrated sample portions, while the second compartment collects the remaining sample. This segmentation allows the sample to be separated into portions for different analyses without dilution, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and sample concentration preservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If conventional containers are shipped long distances, then sample analysis can be performed at laboratories, but leakage and spills occur causing sample loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample analysis accessibilityVSAvoidsample loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into multiple compartments (first compartment and second compartment) that are separated by a partition wall. The first compartment has a reduced volume (20-40 mL) optimized for collecting the most concentrated sample portions, while the second compartment collects the remaining sample. This segmentation allows the sample to be separated into portions for different analyses without dilution, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and sample concentration preservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container incorporates a seal member (such as a cap or lid) that can be attached before shipping to prevent leakage and spills during transit. This beforehand cushioning protects the sample from loss while maintaining accessibility for laboratory analysis, resolving the contradiction between sample analysis accessibility and sample loss prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 container effectively separates and preserves the most concentrated sample portions, preventing dilution and leakage, thereby enhancing the accuracy of laboratory tests and maximizing the sample's utility for multiple analyses.

Implementation Method 1

using a float to separate a first volume of fluid from the second volume of fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS11457899B2Apparatuses, methods, and systems for sample collection and dispersion

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 EXOSOME DIAGNOSTICS INC

AI summary

In order to address an inability to separate portions of a sample and/or substance, in some embodiments, methods and apparatuses for separating components and/or portions of a sample are provided. For example, a sample collection container may comprise two areas within the container, one which is configured to contain a first volume of the sample, and one which is configured to contain a second volume of the sample. A float device may be configured to seal the portion of the container collecting the first volume from the portion of the container collecting the second volume, after the former portion of the container has been filled. The sample collection container may further comprise a top cap configured to further seal the two portions of the container, and to prevent leakage and/or spilling of the sample from the sample collection container.