Fluid Sampling Apparatus Using Partitioning Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid sampling methods are invasive, limit mobility, and introduce artificial stress, as they require periodic collection and analysis in a clinical setting, which is inadequate for monitoring diurnal and ultradian rhythms of hormones like cortisol, especially during nocturnal periods.
Innovation Solution
A continuous fluid sampling apparatus that uses an elongate tube with partitioning elements to store and separate discrete fluid samples, allowing uninterrupted sampling over extended periods, enabling sampling in a user's natural environment without pain or stress, and includes a control pump and pressure sensor to manage fluid pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If periodic fluid sampling is performed using container-based methods in clinical settings, then discrete fluid samples can be collected and stored, but the subject's mobility is limited and artificial stress is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous fluid stream is segmented into discrete samples by introducing partitioning elements (air bubbles or hydrophobic barriers) at regular intervals. This allows individual samples to be isolated within the continuous flow, enabling reliable collection while maintaining subject mobility and natural environment.
Solution Approach 2:
Partitioning elements serve as intermediaries between the continuous fluid stream and the sampling container. These elements (air bubbles, hydrophobic barriers) create physical separation between samples without requiring manual intervention or restrictive clinical settings.
2Loss of information
If manual collection into individually marked containers is used, then temporal information can be recorded, but the device complexity and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically records temporal information through the regular introduction of partitioning elements at known intervals. The sequence and position of partitioned samples inherently encode temporal data without requiring manual labeling or complex tracking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling process operates continuously with partitioning elements introduced at regular intervals, maintaining an unbroken sequence of samples. This continuous operation simplifies the system compared to discrete manual collection while preserving complete temporal information.
3Duration of action of moving object
If bench-top fraction collectors are used for effluent dialysate collection, then continuous sampling can be achieved, but the subject's mobility is restricted and normal activities are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex bench-top mechanical fraction collectors with a simplified portable apparatus using air bubbles or hydrophobic barriers as partitioning elements. This substitution maintains continuous sampling capability while dramatically reducing device size and complexity for portable use.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the sampling system by using gas-liquid interfaces (air bubbles) or surface tension-based barriers (hydrophobic elements) instead of mechanical moving parts. This enables continuous sampling in a portable, wearable format that does not restrict subject mobility.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple discrete samples are collected over extended periods, then comprehensive hormone profiles can be obtained, but the storage and management of samples becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple discrete samples are merged into a single continuous fluid stream within the sampling catheter, separated only by partitioning elements. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate containers and simplifies sample management while maintaining the ability to collect extended sequences of samples.
Solution Approach 2:
Individual discrete samples are nested within the continuous fluid stream, each separated by partitioning elements. This nested structure allows multiple samples to coexist in a single confined space (the catheter lumen) without requiring separate storage containers for each sample.
Data Source
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AI summary
Fluid sampling apparatus (10) comprising an elongate tube (14) and a fluid partitioning unit (12) comprising: a first port (18) arranged to receive an incoming flow of test fluid TF; and a second port (20) arranged to be coupled to the elongate tube. The fluid partitioning unit is arranged to combine the flow of test fluid with a plurality of partitioning elements (26) to define a plurality of discrete temporally organised fluid samples FS for movement along and storage in the elongate tube.