Flat Spring Pressing Mechanism for Nasopharyngeal Swab Sampling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current nasopharyngeal swab sampling methods are time-consuming and risk damaging the mucous membrane due to manual operation and variable force application, especially when dealing with unexpected body movements.
Innovation Solution
A robot pressing mechanism with a flat spring system that applies uniform force using a trapezoidal-shaped flat spring connected to a guide member, allowing for elastic deformation and constant force application, integrated into a nasopharyngeal swab sampling apparatus and method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual swab sampling is performed by medical staff, then flexibility and adaptability to patient movements are improved, but the process becomes time-consuming and force application becomes variable
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing device is designed to move along the insertion direction of the swab, allowing dynamic adjustment of pressing position and force. The support device moves relative to the pressing device, enabling the system to adapt to unexpected body movements while maintaining automated high-speed operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The flat spring automatically adjusts the pressing force based on the distance between the pressing device and support device, providing self-regulating force application that adapts to patient movements without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual pressing force is applied during swab sampling, then adaptability to tissue conditions is improved, but the risk of damaging the mucous membrane increases due to variable force
Solution Approach 1:
The flat spring's elastic deformation characteristics allow the pressing force to be precisely controlled and maintained within a safe range. By changing the physical state of the spring (elastic deformation), the system achieves consistent, controlled force application that adapts to tissue conditions without exceeding damage thresholds
Solution Approach 2:
The flat spring acts as a cushioning element between the pressing device and the mucous membrane, absorbing excess force and preventing damage. The elastic deformation of the spring provides a safety buffer that protects the delicate tissue from harmful pressing forces
3Object-affected harmful factors
If constant force pressing is implemented using a flat spring, then mucous membrane damage is prevented, but the complexity of the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flat spring automatically regulates the pressing force through its elastic deformation properties, eliminating the need for complex force control systems, sensors, or actuators. The spring's physical characteristics inherently provide constant force application, making the mechanism simple yet effective
Solution Approach 2:
The flat spring serves as an intermediary element between the driving mechanism and the pressing device, translating motor motion into controlled constant force. This simple mechanical intermediary achieves sophisticated force control without requiring complex electronic or mechanical systems
4Productivity
If automated robot pressing is used to increase sampling speed, then productivity is improved, but the ability to handle unexpected body movements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing device is designed with movable components that can adjust position along the swab insertion direction. This dynamic structure allows the automated system to respond to unexpected body movements while maintaining high-speed operation, combining automation with adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the flat spring's elastic deformation parameter changes to automatically adapt to unexpected movements. When the patient moves unexpectedly, the spring's deformation adjusts the pressing force and position dynamically, allowing the automated system to handle surprises without sacrificing speed
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 mechanism enables efficient and safe sample extraction by applying consistent pressure, preventing mucous membrane damage and accommodating unexpected body movements, thus enhancing the reliability and speed of the sampling process.
Implementation Method 1
a flat spring configured to connect the pressing device to the support device
Implementation Method 2
allowing for elastic deformation and constant force application
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a robot pressing mechanism which includes a pressing device extending in a first direction, a support device connected to the pressing device and moving in the first direction relative to the pressing device, and a flat spring configured to connect the pressing device to the support device. The support device includes a guide member spaced apart from the pressing device in a direction crossing the first direction. The flat spring includes a first plate coupled to the pressing device and extending in the first direction, a second plate coupled to the guide member and extending in a direction in which the guide member extends, and a third plate bent to connect one end of the first plate to one end of the second plate.