Fluid Collection Device with Beading Disruptor and Capillary Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining blood or other fluids from subjects are complex, require sophisticated training, and are often limited to medical settings due to the need for substantial equipment and expertise.
Innovation Solution
A device with a fluid transporter and beading disruptor that uses a flow activator to release fluid from the skin, combined with a vacuum source to draw the fluid into a microfluidic channel, facilitating efficient collection of bodily fluids through a compact and user-friendly system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional phlebotomy equipment and methods are used, then reliable blood collection is achieved, but device complexity and training requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the blood collection system into distinct functional modules: a flow activator module with microneedles for fluid extraction, a fluid transporter module with capillary channels for passive transport, and a collection chamber. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs self-service mechanisms including capillary action in the fluid transporter channels that automatically draws fluid without external pumping, and a flow activator that automatically initiates fluid release upon skin contact. These self-service features eliminate the need for complex manual operations and extensive practitioner training
2Quantity of substance
If traditional phlebotomy equipment is used, then adequate fluid collection is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to sophisticated training requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to perform fluid collection automatically through self-service mechanisms: the flow activator automatically penetrates the skin and initiates fluid release, the capillary channels automatically transport fluid based on pressure gradients, and the collection chamber automatically accumulates the required volume. This eliminates the need for operators to perform complex manual maneuvers
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary channels act as intermediaries between the flow activator and collection chamber, automatically mediating fluid transport through capillary action. This intermediary mechanism simplifies operation by eliminating the need for manual fluid transfer or complex pumping operations
3Reliability
If traditional phlebotomy equipment is used, then reliable fluid access is achieved, but adaptability to non-medical settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments functionality into self-contained modules that can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing deployment in various settings. The flow activator, fluid transporter, and collection chamber are distinct modules that maintain reliable fluid access while adapting to different environmental constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable parameters including variable microneedle configurations in the flow activator, adjustable capillary channel dimensions in the fluid transporter, and variable collection chamber volumes. These parameter changes allow the same basic device architecture to adapt to different application requirements and settings while maintaining reliable fluid access
4Productivity
If vacuum sources are used to draw fluid, then fluid collection efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces complex mechanical vacuum pumping systems with passive capillary action in the fluid transporter channels. The capillary channels utilize surface tension and adhesion forces to draw fluid automatically, eliminating the need for mechanical vacuum sources while maintaining high fluid collection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs pneumatic principles through pressure gradient-driven flow in the fluid transporter. By creating a pressure differential between the flow activator and collection chamber through capillary pressure, the system achieves efficient fluid transport without complex mechanical or electronic pneumatic control 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
Enables efficient and straightforward collection of bodily fluids from the skin, reducing the need for extensive training and equipment, allowing for use in non-medical settings and improving accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source having a pressure less than ambient pressure... moving the bodily fluid towards the vacuum source due to a pressure difference between the applicator region and the vacuum source
Implementation Method 2
an at least partially open capillary may extend along a surface of the recess and be arranged to conduct flow of the bodily fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for delivering to and/or receiving fluids or other materials, such as blood or interstitial fluid, from subjects, e.g., from the skin. Beading disruptors and/or capillaries may be used for facilitating the transport of fluids from a subject into a device. Beading disruptors may disrupt the “pooling” of bodily fluids such as blood on the surface of the skin and help influence flow in a desired way. A capillary may conduct flow of fluid in the device, e.g., to an inlet of a channel or other flow path that leads to a storage chamber. A vacuum (reduced pressure relative to ambient) may be used to receive fluid into the device, e.g., by using relatively low pressure to draw fluid into the inlet of a channel leading to a storage chamber. The vacuum source may be part of the device and have a volume that is larger than a recess of the fluid transporter that receives fluid from a surface.