Epidermal Tissue Harvesting Device with Segmented PCB Compartments

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for harvesting epidermal tissue, such as suction blistering, lack efficient and contamination-free solutions for obtaining high-quality tissue samples, particularly in clinical settings where sterility and ease of use are critical.

Innovation Solution

A medical device comprising a reusable first compartment with a printed circuit board and a disposable second compartment with a printed circuit board ceiling, which applies reduced pressure and heat to form blisters for epidermal tissue harvesting, ensuring the first compartment remains uncontaminated and the second compartment is easily disposable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a reusable medical device is used for epidermal tissue harvesting, then cost efficiency is improved, but contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost efficiencyVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a reusable first compartment (housing, control unit) and a disposable second compartment (chamber that contacts skin). This segmentation allows the reusable portion to be cleaned and reused while the disposable portion is discarded after a single use, eliminating cross-patient contamination while maintaining cost efficiency for the critical reusable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second compartment that directly contacts the patient's skin is designed as a disposable component. After a single use, it is discarded rather than sterilized and reused. This eliminates contamination risk for the critical path while keeping the overall system cost-effective by only disposing of the necessary portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a disposable compartment is used for skin contact, then contamination risk is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination riskVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reusable first compartment and disposable second compartment are designed to mate and function as a single integrated device. The disposable compartment includes integrated features (chamber, apertures, sealing surfaces) that combine multiple functions into one component, reducing the need for separate sterilization equipment or complex reconfiguration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The disposable second compartment is designed to be universally compatible with the reusable first compartment. The standardized mating interface and integrated design allow the same disposable compartment to be used with any compatible device, simplifying the system while maintaining sterility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If precise temperature control is implemented, then tissue quality is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device implements precise control of temperature parameters within the disposable second compartment during the tissue harvesting process. By carefully controlling the temperature parameter, the device achieves optimal tissue separation quality while managing energy consumption through efficient heating elements and insulation design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device effectively harvests epidermal tissue while maintaining sterility and reducing contamination risks, with accurate temperature control and visible blister formation, facilitating efficient tissue collection and minimizing cross-patient contamination.

Implementation Method 1

applying electrical power to the heating element on the second printed circuit board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

applying reduced pressure to the interior of the second compartment to pull the patient's skin into the one or more apertures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11344328B2Devices, systems, and methods for epidermal tissue harvesting

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 TARA MEDICAL DEVICES LLC

AI summary

In one instance, a medical device for harvesting epidermal tissue from a patient includes a first compartment that is mateable with a second, disposable compartment that goes against the skin. The first compartment has a floor that is formed, at least in part, by a first printed circuit board. The ceiling of the second, disposable compartment is formed at least in part by a second printed circuit board that electrically couples with the first printed circuit board when in a mated position. Suction is delivered to the second compartment to pull skin through apertures on the floor of the second compartment to form blisters that are harvested to obtain epidermal tissue. The first compartment remains uncontaminated in use and the second compartment is disposable. Other features are presented; some of which include a thermal sensor in the second compartment for temperature control, clear side walls, and a distributed heating element.