Ear Tag Tissue Sampling Device with Removable Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal identification ear tags with integrated sample collection mechanisms require complex procedures to open and access the stored biological samples, making handling and analysis cumbersome and often requiring specialized equipment.
Innovation Solution
An ear tag design featuring a male and female part that irreversibly lock on the animal's ear, with a detachable sample container having an additional opening for direct access to the sample, and a protective tube for sample preservation, allowing easy handling and analysis without extracting the sample from the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sample container is tightly closed to ensure reliable storage, then the sample preservation is improved, but the procedure to open and access the sample becomes complex and requires specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The sample container is divided into a removable cap portion and a body portion. The cap can be easily separated from the body to access the sample, while the main container remains securely attached to the earring. This segmentation allows simple access without requiring complex opening procedures or specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed to be completely removable from the container body. This extraction of the closure element allows direct access to the sample while maintaining the security of the main container attachment to the earring system.
2Reliability
If the sample container is tightly closed to prevent contamination, then the sample integrity is improved, but the handling and analysis procedures become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is segmented into a permanent base portion attached to the earring and a removable cap portion. This allows the sample to remain protected within the secured container while enabling simple cap removal for analysis procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design allows the user to easily open and access the sample without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures. The simple cap-and-body interface enables self-service opening and handling.
3Reliability
If the sample container is integrated into the earring with secure attachment, then the sample collection reliability is improved, but the ease of sample removal for analysis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three functional parts: the earring attachment portion (secured to animal), the container body (holding the sample), and the removable cap (protecting the sample opening). This segmentation allows the sample container to be reliably collected with the earring while enabling easy cap removal for sample access.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is extracted as a separate removable element from the container body. This allows the sample to be accessed by simply removing the cap while leaving the container body securely attached to the earring, thus maintaining both collection reliability and access ease.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an ear tag (1) for identifying animals, enabling a sample of biological tissue to be taken when the tag is applied to the animal. Said tag comprises a male part (2) and a female part (3) which are assembled by irreversible socketing. The stem of the male part comprises a detachable head (23) having a hollow distal part provided with a cutting edge (25) for cutting out a biological sample when the head perforates the ear of the animal. The female part comprises a central tube (31) for receiving the head and at least partially receiving the stem when the ear tag is applied, said tube being associated with a detachable sample container (32) arranged in the axial extension of the tube. The proximal end (35) of the container has a first opening (33) for receiving the head (23) of the stem when the ear tag is applied, and the distal end (36) of the container has a second opening (34) enabling the inside of the sample container to be reached. The invention also relates to a device comprising a sample container (32) associated with the hollow head (23) containing the sample obtained when the identifying ear tag is applied to the animal, and a protection tube comprising a closing cover. Said device enables the sample taken to be stored in a closed space and analysed later. The sampling system is designed in such a way as to enable the sample to be easily handled and accessed for the analysis thereof.