Fluid Collection Device With Segmented Capillary Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for collecting and testing body fluids, such as blood, face issues with air contamination leading to inaccurate readings, variable blood bead sizes causing incomplete sample collection, and leaving excess blood on the skin.
Innovation Solution
A device with open-sided capillary channels and vent channels to facilitate efficient fluid transfer, allowing for precise collection and minimization of waste, featuring a base and lid structure with aligned channels and a reagent-coated surface for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a vacuum device is used to collect blood, then a blood bead is formed, but the size of the blood bead is variable causing incomplete sample collection
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the fluid collection system into multiple channels with different depths. The first channel has a greater depth to collect excess blood, while the second channel has a smaller depth to provide the precise volume needed for testing. This segmentation ensures that even if the initial blood bead is larger or smaller than expected, the device can still collect the required sample volume reliably.
2Quantity of substance
If the pick up area is filled with sufficient blood for accurate test, then the device can be removed from skin, but excess blood is left on the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the collection function into two parts: the first channel collects excess blood from the skin, while the second channel provides the precise volume needed for testing. This allows the device to continue taking up fluid beyond what is strictly necessary for the test, leaving the skin clean while ensuring complete sample collection.
3Productivity
If open-sided channels are used for fluid collection, then capillary action facilitates efficient fluid transfer, but air contamination may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the channel system into collection channels with open sides for efficient capillary action, while separate vent channels provide dedicated air escape paths. This segmentation allows the main collection channels to remain open-sided for high efficiency while the vent channels prevent air contamination by providing controlled air removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent channels act as intermediary pathways that mediate between the open-sided collection channels and the external environment. They provide a controlled interface for air to escape without contaminating the fluid sample, allowing the open-sided channels to maintain their efficiency while preventing harmful air contamination.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a complex enclosed structure with multiple areas is used to prevent air contamination, then air contamination is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses segmentation to create simple, distinct functional areas: open-sided channels for fluid collection and separate vent channels for air removal. This segmented approach achieves effective air contamination prevention without requiring a complex enclosed structure, as each channel type has a clear, simple geometry optimized for its specific function.
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 device achieves high efficiency in fluid collection and transfer, minimizing waste and pain by using capillary action and vent channels, ensuring complete sample collection while leaving minimal fluid on the skin, and enabling accurate analysis with reduced evaporation and contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
the device operates by capillary action the fluid must have an internal contact angle between the bead of fluid and the surface of less than 90°
Implementation Method 2
This movement of the fluid into the device takes place by capillary action encouraged by the provision of side and rear vent channels that allow air to be displaced from the device
Data Source
AI summary
A device that is intended for the sampling of fluids, comprises a base and a lid. Between the base and the lid there is provided an opening and a first open-sided channel extending from the opening to a second open-sided channel for the collection of fluid therein. The depth of the second channel is smaller than that of the first channel.