Elastically Deformable Flocked Sample Collection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for collecting, transferring, and storing biological and chemical samples face challenges in ensuring reliable and traceable storage, particularly due to factors like material and arrangement of collection devices, type of storage paper, and user application force, which can lead to incorrect, non-homogeneous, or insufficient sample transfer.
Innovation Solution
A device with a support body and a collection portion featuring a first coating layer made from an elastically deformable material, which facilitates the detachment of sub-portions for sample transfer, combined with a second flocked coating layer for efficient absorption and transfer of samples to storage media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a collection device with a movable portion is used to transfer samples, then the ability to move between sample transfer position and rest position is improved, but the complexity of the device structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device incorporates a movable portion that can transition between a sample transfer position (where the collection portion contacts the storage paper) and a rest position (where elements are spaced away). This dynamic capability enables controlled sample transfer while maintaining operational simplicity through elastic deformation of the connection portion rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.
2Productivity
If the collection portion is made with specific material and arrangement, then sample collection efficiency is improved, but the difficulty of achieving correct and homogeneous sample transfer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection portion is designed with specific elastic properties that allow it to deform under compression force, bringing the collection portion into contact with the storage paper. By controlling the elastic modulus and geometric parameters of the connection portion, the device achieves reliable and homogeneous sample transfer while maintaining high collection efficiency through optimized collection portion materials.
3Reliability
If compression force is applied to facilitate sample transfer, then transfer completeness is improved, but the risk of sample loss or contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic connection portion dynamically responds to applied compression force by deforming to bring the collection portion into contact with the storage paper. This elastic deformation mechanism ensures complete sample transfer through controlled force application while the reversible nature of elastic deformation prevents sample loss and reduces contamination risk compared to rigid mechanical systems.
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 solution ensures a reliable and traceable storage of biological and chemical samples by optimizing the transfer process, reducing contamination risks, and providing high reliability across various usage conditions, while being easy to use and economically viable.
Implementation Method 1
a first coating layer made from an elastically deformable material
Implementation Method 2
a second coating layer consisting of a layer of flocked fibers configured to absorb a liquid comprising at least one sample
Data Source
AI summary
A device for collecting, transferring, and storing samples of a biological and/or chemical material, wherein the device comprises: a support body, developing along a main longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end opposite to each other and connected by an intermediate portion elongate in the main longitudinal direction, a collection portion engaging the first end and configured to collect a quantity of a sample of a biological and/or chemical material, the collection portion being defined at least by a first coating layer realized on the first end and made from an elastically deformable material and by a second coating layer consisting of a layer of flocked fibers, the second coating layer being realized through a fiber flocking process on the first coating layer and being configured to absorb a quantity of liquid including at least one sample of a biological and/or chemical material.