Fecal Collection Apparatus With Sealed Plug And Pre-loaded Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fecal sample collection methods often result in contamination and inaccurate testing due to uncontrolled sample amounts and handling during antigen testing, which necessitates improved apparatuses for collecting and mixing fecal samples with emulsifying buffers.
Innovation Solution
A fecal collection apparatus featuring a main body with a sample collection member and a plug that restricts fluid flow, allowing for controlled collection and mixing of fecal samples with an emulsifying buffer within the apparatus, reducing the need for external handling and ensuring accurate testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a syringe is used to collect fecal sample, then handling of fecal sample during testing is eliminated, but the amount of fecal sample collected is not controlled resulting in inaccurate results
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus pre-loads a precise volume of emulsifying buffer into the main body cavity before sample collection. The plug is pre-positioned to seal the removal end, ensuring the buffer remains contained and ready for immediate mixing with the collected fecal sample, eliminating the need for separate measurement steps
2Ease of operation
If fecal sample is collected for shipment to testing facility, then sample collection is simple, but contamination or sample spoilage occurs due to handling
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: sample collection, buffer mixing, and test preparation all occur within the same sealed main body cavity. The plug seals the removal end to prevent contamination during collection, while the pre-loaded buffer is ready to mix with the sample, eliminating the need for separate handling steps that could introduce contaminants
Solution Approach 2:
The emulsifying buffer acts as an intermediary substance that is pre-loaded into the main body cavity. When the fecal sample is introduced, the buffer automatically mixes with it, creating a ready-to-test emulsion without requiring external handling or transfer operations that could cause contamination or spoilage
3Reliability
If plug restricts fluid flow in closed position, then sample mixing is contained, but fluid cannot pass through removal end
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is designed to be dynamically positionable between a closed position that seals the removal end for containment during collection and mixing, and an open position that allows fluid to pass through. This dynamic positioning enables the apparatus to transition between containment mode and dispensing mode, providing both sample security and controlled release when needed
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 apparatus effectively collects and mixes a predetermined amount of fecal sample with an emulsifying buffer, minimizing contamination and ensuring accurate antigen testing results.
Implementation Method 1
the plunger is moveable in the axial direction with the plunger in the unlocked state
Implementation Method 2
the plug restricts fluid from passing from the main body cavity through the removal end
Implementation Method 3
mixing the fecal sample with an emulsifying buffer for testing
Data Source
AI summary
A fecal collection apparatus includes a main body including an insertion end and a removal end opposite the insertion end, the main body defining a main body cavity between the insertion end and the removal end, a sample collection member positionable within the main body cavity through the insertion end, the sample collection member defining a fecal engagement portion for holding a fecal sample and a handle portion spaced apart from the fecal engagement portion, and a plug provided at a removal end of the main body, the plug positionable from a closed position in which the plug restricts fluid from passing from the main body cavity through the removal end, to an open position.