Bodily Fluid Sampling Assembly with Capillary Collector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical sampling methods for bodily fluids, such as blood, often require manual expression and handling, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors, especially when aiming for immediate analysis at the point of sampling.
Innovation Solution
A sampling assembly comprising a membrane penetration device with a collector that utilizes capillary action, pressure differential, or suction to efficiently collect and retain bodily fluids for delivery to a test element, simplifying the process and minimizing manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual expression and handling methods are used for collecting bodily fluids, then the collection process can be performed with simple devices, but the process becomes cumbersome and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The collector is designed to automatically take up bodily fluid through capillary action without requiring manual expression or handling. The capillary channels and porous materials enable the device to collect and transport fluid autonomously, eliminating cumbersome manual steps and reducing user errors while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical expression with capillary action-driven fluid uptake. The capillary channels and porous materials create a passive mechanical system that automatically draws fluid through adhesion and surface tension forces, eliminating the need for manual squeezing or handling operations
2Productivity
If multiple manual handling steps are required for fluid collection and delivery, then basic collection can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated collector device that performs fluid uptake, retention, and delivery through capillary action. The capillary channels and porous materials enable the device to automatically manage the entire fluid pathway from collection to test element delivery, reducing multiple manual handling steps into one automated process while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary channels and porous materials act as intermediary structures that facilitate automatic fluid transport between the collection site and test element. These intermediaries enable passive fluid movement through capillary action, eliminating the need for active manual handling steps and reducing process complexity while maintaining rapid fluid delivery
3Reliability
If manual expression is used to obtain blood sample, then the sampling can be performed with basic equipment, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collector automatically takes up fluid through capillary action without requiring manual expression, reducing the risk of contamination from user contact with the fluid collection site. The self-service mechanism minimizes handling steps that could introduce contaminants while maintaining ease of operation through simple device engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical expression with capillary action-driven fluid uptake, eliminating the need for users to squeeze or manually handle the collection site. This substitution reduces contamination risk by removing direct user contact with the fluid source while maintaining operational simplicity through passive automatic fluid collection
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 assembly enables efficient and safe collection of bodily fluids, reducing the risk of contamination and errors, and allows for immediate analysis without the need for additional steps, facilitating both professional and home-based diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
the collector is configured to take up the released bodily fluid by capillary action
Implementation Method 2
the collector is configured to take up fluid through a pressure differential
Implementation Method 3
the collector is configured to take up the released bodily fluid by suction
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for sampling bodily fluid, the assembly comprising a membrane penetration device comprising a membrane penetrating element for penetrating a bodily membrane to release a bodily fluid; and, a collector configured in a collection position to take up the released bodily fluid and retain the fluid for delivery to a test element.