Expandable Distal Sampler for Clean Biological Sample Withdrawal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological sample collection devices face challenges in efficiently collecting and preserving tissue, cells, protein, RNA, and DNA from body lumens like the esophagus, particularly in maintaining sample integrity during collection and withdrawal.
Innovation Solution
A collection device with a flexible distal end portion that can transition between expanded and collapsed positions, using a hinge mechanism to facilitate sample collection and preservation, while minimizing contamination from non-target areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the collection device uses a rigid structure to maintain sample engagement, then sample collection reliability is improved, but the device cannot effectively withdraw without contaminating non-target areas
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device employs a distal end portion that dynamically changes its configuration between expanded and collapsed states. During the collection phase, the distal end portion is expanded to engage with and collect biological samples reliably. During the withdrawal phase, the distal end portion is collapsed to minimize contact with and contamination from non-target areas, thus resolving the contradiction between collection reliability and contamination prevention.
2Reliability
If the collection device maintains constant expanded position, then sample engagement is ensured, but the device cannot be withdrawn without contaminating non-target areas
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device incorporates a distal end portion capable of transitioning between expanded and collapsed configurations. During sample collection, the distal end portion is expanded to ensure reliable sample engagement. During withdrawal, the distal end portion is collapsed to facilitate smooth withdrawal and prevent contamination, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining sample engagement and enabling easy withdrawal.
3Device complexity
If the collection device uses a simple structure, then device complexity is reduced, but it cannot effectively preserve sample integrity during collection and withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device utilizes a distal end portion with dynamic configuration capability, transitioning between expanded and collapsed states. This dynamic feature, integrated into an otherwise simple structure, enables the device to preserve sample integrity during both collection and withdrawal operations without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection device employs parameter changes in the distal end portion's physical configuration (expanded vs. collapsed state) to preserve sample integrity. By changing the geometric parameters of the distal end portion between different operational phases, the device effectively preserves sample integrity without adding significant structural complexity.
4Reliability
If the collection device keeps the distal end portion expanded during withdrawal, then sample collection is ensured, but contamination from non-target areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device employs a distal end portion that dynamically adjusts its configuration based on operational requirements. During the collection phase, the distal end portion is expanded to ensure reliable sample collection. During the withdrawal phase, the distal end portion is collapsed to minimize contact with non-target areas and prevent contamination, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining sample collection reliability and preventing contamination during withdrawal.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for collecting a biological sample in a patient includes a collection portion having a first axial end portion and a second axial end portion. The second axial end portion has a collapsed position and an expanded position. The second axial end portion moves in an axial direction relative to the first axial end portion when the second axial end portion moves between the collapsed position and the expanded position. The second axial end portion extends axially into the first axial end portion and has a concave shape when in the collapsed position. The second axial end portion is convex when in the expanded position.