Foldable Body Fluid Collection Device with Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional urine and saliva testing is cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring patients to visit a clinic or doctor, and there are challenges in transporting samples without decomposition, especially under high temperatures or long transport times.
Innovation Solution
A device and kit for collecting body fluids featuring a body fluid collection portion with a fluid-absorbing material, hingedly connected to support panels, allowing for easy folding and insertion into a sample container, with stabilization agents to prevent decomposition, and a triangular configuration for drying protection from sunlight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional sterile sample container is used for urine or saliva collection, then sample integrity is maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires clinic visits
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device is segmented into a collection portion and a support structure, allowing the collection portion to be a separate absorbent element that can be easily inserted into any container, decoupling the collection function from the container itself
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables patients to perform urine or saliva collection themselves at home without requiring clinic visits or specialized assistance, with the collection portion being directly insertable into standard containers
2Measurement precision
If samples are transported to a laboratory for analysis, then accurate diagnosis is possible, but decomposition of sensitive hormones may occur during transport
Solution Approach 1:
Stabilization agents are pre-added to the collection portion to prevent decomposition before transport occurs, addressing the harmful effect in advance rather than during or after the problem arises
Solution Approach 2:
Stabilization agents act as intermediaries between the sensitive hormones and the environmental conditions during transport, preventing direct harmful interactions that would cause decomposition
3Ease of operation
If a foldable collection device is used to enable home collection, then convenience is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The collection portion is made from a flexible absorbent material that can be folded and bent without damage, using the inherent flexibility of the material itself rather than requiring complex mechanical folding structures
Solution Approach 2:
The collection portion and support structure are combined into a single integrated device that folds together, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall structural complexity
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
Enables easy, clean, and efficient collection and stabilization of urine or saliva samples, reducing the need for clinic visits and protecting sensitive hormones during transport, while maintaining sample integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a body fluid collection portion (12) comprising a body fluid absorbing material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention provides for a device (10) and a kit for collecting body fluids. The device includes a body fluid collection portion (12) comprising a body fluid absorbing material. The body fluid connecting portion has a free edge and is hingedly connected at the edge opposite to the free edge to a first support panel (14) and a second support panel (16). A base panel (18) is hingedly connected to the first support panel or the second support panel. In a first folded condition the body fluid collection portion is sandwiched between the first support panel and the second support panel in a substantially face contacting relationship. The device for collecting body fluids is configured to be folded from the first folded condition into a second folded condition, wherein the body fluid collection portion is exposed so that by grasping the device for collecting body fluids by means of a handle formed by the first support panel, the second support panel and optionally the base panel the body fluid collection portion can be inserted into a sample container containing a body fluid to be sampled. Moreover, the device for collecting body fluids is configured to be folded from the second folded condition into a drying or triangle configuration, wherein the first support panel, the second support panel and the base panel form the three sides of a triangle such that the body fluid collection portion is suspended from its hinged connection with the first and second support panels and arranged within the space defined by the first and second support panels and the base panel.