Fluid Sample Testing Apparatus with Dual Collector Tubes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current fluid sample testing devices face challenges in retaining a split sample for confirmation testing, ensuring chain of custody, and providing positive identification of the test subject and administrator, while also requiring improved air and fluid flow characteristics and reduced user effort for swab insertion.

Innovation Solution

A fluid sample testing apparatus with a housing containing a test chamber and dual fluid collector tubes, allowing for air venting and reduced back pressure during swab insertion, along with a cassette design that minimizes contact between test strips and surfaces, and includes a gasket for efficient fluid transfer and sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fluid sample testing device is designed to retain a split sample for confirmation testing, then the reliability of test results is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest result reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a test chamber for initial testing, a sample retention chamber for storing split samples, and distinct fluid pathways. This segmentation allows the device to maintain reliability through sample retention while managing complexity through modular design, where each component has a specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where the test strip is housed within a test strip chamber, which is itself contained within the main device housing. The sample retention chamber is also integrated into the overall device structure. This nesting allows multiple functions (testing, sample retention, fluid transfer) to be combined in a compact form, improving reliability without proportionally increasing external complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If air venting openings are provided in the fluid collector tube, then the ease of operation is improved by reducing back pressure, but the reliability may worsen due to potential contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswab insertion easeVSAvoidsample integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Air venting openings are pre-positioned in the fluid collector tube at specific locations that allow air to escape during swab insertion before the sample collection is complete. This preliminary air venting action reduces back pressure and facilitates easier insertion, while the openings are strategically placed to close or seal before the sample is fully collected, thus preventing contamination and maintaining sample integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the test strip is positioned to minimize contact with surfaces, then the reliability of testing is improved, but the ease of manufacture worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest accuracyVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The test strip is positioned within a three-dimensional test strip chamber that provides vertical clearance between the test strip and surrounding surfaces. By utilizing the vertical dimension (z-axis) rather than only horizontal positioning, the test strip is elevated above the chamber floor and separated from potential contamination sources. This dimensional approach maintains test accuracy while simplifying manufacturing, as the vertical spacing can be achieved through standard molding techniques rather than complex precision positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 secures a split fluid sample for confirmation, ensures accurate identification, and reduces user effort by improving air and fluid flow, enhancing the reliability and usability of fluid sample testing devices.

Implementation Method 1

as pressure is applied to the fluid collector, the gasket moves from a first position to a second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

air passes outside of the apparatus from the test chamber via an opening from the test chamber into the first fluid collector tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure venting: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11724255B2Systems and methods for fluid sample collection and testing

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 MARSHALL VENTURE PARTNERS LLC

AI summary

A fluid sample testing apparatus has a housing with a test chamber and first and second fluid collector tubes and first and second fluid collectors in fluid communication with the test chamber. A sample holding container is in fluid communication with the second fluid collector tube. The first fluid collector is inserted into the first fluid collector tube and pressure is generated to release fluid from the first fluid collector into the test chamber, and air passes outside of the apparatus from the test chamber via an opening from the test chamber into the first fluid collector tube. The second fluid collector is inserted into the second fluid collector tube concurrently and pressure is generated to release fluid from the second fluid collector into the sample holding container, and air passes outside of the apparatus from the second fluid collector tube.