Fluid Sampling Device with Automated Needle Feed and Suction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for taking liquid samples from body cavities, such as suprapubic bladder punctures, are often painful, complex, and require multiple steps, leading to potential contamination and discomfort for the patient due to the need for manual intervention and complex device operation.

Innovation Solution

A device that automatically transitions between loading, feed, and suction modes upon activation, using separate energy storage mechanisms for the feed and suction mechanisms, allowing for rapid and comfortable sample collection with adjustable needle penetration depth and a blocking mechanism to prevent multiple use, featuring a disposable design with a transparent housing for visibility of the fill level and operation state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual操作步骤 are used for sample collection, then the device structure can be simple, but the procedure time is prolonged and patient discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidprocedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device pre-loads the needle through a feeding mechanism before the actual sampling operation. The needle is advanced to the target position in advance, so that when sampling is triggered, only the suction phase remains, significantly reducing the total procedure time while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sampling process is divided into distinct phases: needle feeding phase and suction phase. Each phase has its own mechanism (feeding mechanism with feed energy storage device, suction mechanism with suction energy storage device), allowing independent optimization and automated execution without requiring complex manual coordination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Extent of automation

If multiple manual steps are required for sampling, then device automation is reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesampling automationVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs self-service through automated mechanisms. The feed energy storage device automatically advances the needle, and the suction energy storage device automatically executes the suction operation when triggered. This automation reduces the need for multiple manual steps while keeping the mechanism design relatively straightforward through the use of spring-loaded energy storage devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functions (needle feeding, positioning, and suction) are merged into a single integrated device structure. The feeding mechanism and suction mechanism share common components such as the housing, trigger mechanism, and energy storage system, achieving high automation without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the needle penetration depth is not adjustable, then the device structure is simpler, but the sampling accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidsampling accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device transitions from a static to a dynamic structure by incorporating an adjustable feed limiter. The feed limiter can be positioned at different locations along the feeding path, dynamically adjusting the needle penetration depth according to different sampling requirements, thereby improving sampling accuracy without requiring a completely complex device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables quick, painless, and efficient liquid sample collection with reduced user effort, minimizing contamination risks and ensuring accurate sampling by automating the sampling process and preventing device reuse, thus enhancing patient comfort and procedural efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one energy storage device arranged in or on the device - preferably in the form of a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy storage device (spring): Spring

Implementation Method 2

the suction mechanism has a suction force storage device which, when released, sets the suction mechanism in motion in the suction operating state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy storage device (spring): Spring

Implementation Method 3

automatically to a suction state by automatically increasing the reservoir volume via a suction mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3629940B1Device for collecting a fluid sample
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 SWACRIT SYST GMBH
  • EP3629940B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3629940B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3629940B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

Device (1) for collecting a liquid sample (60), in particular for performing a suprapubic bladder puncture, with a housing (2) and at least one suction device (3) arranged in or on the housing and a reservoir (5) having a volume (V) for receiving the liquid sample (60), with an advancing mechanism (6) for moving the suction device (3) relative to the housing, and with a trigger (7) for triggering the advancing mechanism (6), wherein the device (1) in a charging operating state (LB) can be brought by the trigger (7) to an advancing operating state (VB) in which the suction device (3) is moved relative to the housing (2) by the advancing mechanism (6) and can then be brought automatically to a suctioning operating state (SB) in which the volume (V) of the reservoir (5) can be automatically increased by a suction mechanism (8).