Dynamic Strip Interface for Urinalysis Sample Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In urinalysis and similar biological sample analyses, the existing dip-and-read test strips often face issues with insufficient sample volume to fully wet all reagent pads, leading to potential biohazards when collection tubes are turned on their side to ensure complete wetting.

Innovation Solution

A sample collection unit with a cap that includes a dynamic strip interface, allowing the test strip to be inserted through an access opening while preventing sample escape, ensuring complete wetting of reagent pads without turning the tube on its side.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the collection tube is turned on its side to ensure complete wetting of reagent pads, then all reagent pads can be fully submerged, but sample escape and biohazard risks occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplete wetting of reagent padsVSAvoidsample escape and biohazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cap includes a dynamic strip interface with flexible sealing members that can adapt their position and sealing force based on the tube orientation and test strip insertion, maintaining sample containment whether the tube is vertical or horizontal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic strip interface acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cap and test strip, providing a controlled pathway that allows test strip insertion while maintaining sample containment through flexible sealing members

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the cap is sealed to prevent sample escape, then biohazard risks are reduced, but test strip insertion becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample escape preventionVSAvoidtest strip insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing members are designed to be flexible and dynamic, automatically adjusting their sealing engagement based on whether a test strip is being inserted or whether the tube is being handled, providing ease of insertion while maintaining containment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing members change their physical state or position in response to test strip insertion, transitioning from a sealed state to an open state during insertion, then returning to sealed state afterward

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If minimal sample volume is used, then sample conservation is improved, but complete wetting of all reagent pads becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample volumeVSAvoidcomplete wetting of reagent pads

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The access opening and dynamic strip interface create a new dimensional pathway that allows the test strip to be inserted at an angle or through a specific trajectory, enabling complete wetting of all reagent pads even with minimal sample volume by optimizing the liquid distribution path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11040348B2Biological sample analysis kit and sample collection unit with a cap having an access opening

Publication Date: 2021.06.22 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC

AI summary

An embodiment of the present disclosure is a sample collection unit configured to receive a test strip. The sample collection unit includes a collection tube including an open end and a cap configured to be coupled to the open end to close the collection tube. The cap includes an access opening that extends through the cap and at least one sealing member aligned with the access opening. The at least one sealing member includes a dynamic strip interface that permits insertion of the test strip through the access opening and into the collection tube.