Dual-Sampler Device for Urethral and Epithelial Cell Collection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing male genital sampling methods are either incomplete or inconvenient when using a single method, and using both methods simultaneously increases procedure complexity and exposure time, with a higher risk of iatrogenic infection.

Innovation Solution

A dual-purpose male reproductive organ detachment cell sampling device featuring a pole body with a first sampling part for urethral mucosal cell collection and a second sampling part for epithelial cell collection from multiple genital areas, with varying hardness and materials like cotton, polyester fiber, and a breakable handle for ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single sampling method is used, then the sampling device is simple to operate, but the sampling comprehensiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling device operation convenienceVSAvoidsampling comprehensiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two different sampling methods (urethral mucosal sampling and epithelial tissue sampling) into a single integrated sampling device. The device includes a first sampling part for urethral mucosal cells and a second sampling part for epithelial cells, allowing both sampling functions to be performed sequentially with one device, thus maintaining operational simplicity while achieving comprehensive sampling coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sampling device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both urethral mucosal sampling and epithelial tissue sampling. The first sampling part (soft brush/plush) targets urethral mucosal cells while the second sampling part (harder brush) targets epithelial cells from multiple genital areas, enabling one device to serve multiple sampling purposes without requiring separate specialized tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two sampling methods are used simultaneously, then the sampling comprehensiveness is improved, but the procedure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling comprehensivenessVSAvoidsampling procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring two separate sampling procedures to be performed simultaneously by different tools, the patent merges both sampling functions into a single device with two distinct sampling parts. This allows the operator to perform both sampling actions sequentially using one device, thereby maintaining sampling comprehensiveness while significantly reducing procedural complexity and the number of steps involved

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If two sampling methods are used simultaneously, then the sampling comprehensiveness is improved, but the exposure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling comprehensivenessVSAvoidprocedure exposure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both sampling functions into a single device that can be used sequentially for urethral mucosal sampling and epithelial tissue sampling. This integration allows both sampling actions to be completed in one continuous procedure rather than requiring two separate procedures, thereby reducing the total exposure time while maintaining comprehensive sampling coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If two sampling methods are used simultaneously, then the sampling comprehensiveness is improved, but the risk of iatrogenic infection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling comprehensivenessVSAvoidrisk of iatrogenic infection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates both sampling functions into a single device that performs urethral mucosal sampling and epithelial tissue sampling in one procedure. This reduces the number of times the operator needs to don and doff protective gear and minimizes the overall duration of exposure to potential infection risks, thereby reducing the cumulative risk of iatrogenic infection while achieving comprehensive sampling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240122583A1A male genital shedding cell sampling device

Publication Date: 2024.04.18 HEFEI BEINI MEDICAL TECH CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of male genitalia sampling technology, particularly a male genitalia exfoliated cell sampling device, which is equipped with a first sampling part and a second sampling part. When using this device, the first sampling part is inserted into the male urethral opening, and the exfoliated cells from the mucous membrane near the urethral opening are collected by rotating the first sampling part. After removing the first sampling part from the urethra, the second sampling part is then used to collect epithelial exfoliated cells from multiple sites such as the penis, foreskin, glans, scrotum, and testicles. This device can collect two different types of cell tissues with one sampler, making it simple and convenient to use, comprehensive in sampling, and more accurate and safe for detection.