Foldable Microscope Sample Device for Direct Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting and analyzing medical samples, such as pinworm infections, are inefficient, labor-intensive, and prone to contamination, with high costs and risks involved in transporting samples from patients to laboratories for microscopy analysis.
Innovation Solution
A microscope-ready sample collecting device featuring a foldable design with a sample housing and collecting head that securely fits together, providing a sample-viewing window for immediate analysis, reducing the need for multiple laboratory processing steps and enhancing sample protection and safety during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional separate collection and analysis methods are used, then sample collection is simple, but multiple processing steps are required and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sample collection head, sample housing, and microscope viewing capabilities into a single integrated device. The collection head can be folded into the housing to present the sample directly against the viewing window, eliminating the need for separate laboratory processing steps and enabling immediate microscopic examination at the collection site.
2Reliability
If samples are transported to laboratory for analysis, then specialized equipment can be used, but transportation costs increase and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-contained sample collection and analysis by providing an integrated microscope viewing window that allows immediate examination of the sample at the collection site, eliminating the need for external laboratory facilities and transportation, thereby reducing contamination risk and transportation costs.
3Measurement precision
If multiple laboratory processing steps are used, then sample analysis is thorough, but labor and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary sample collection and preparation actions directly at the collection site, with the collection head designed to present the sample in a ready-to-view format against the microscope window, enabling immediate analysis without requiring subsequent laboratory processing steps.
4Ease of operation
If adhesive tape swabs are used for collection, then sampling is effective, but sample contamination can occur during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The collection head is designed to fold into and be received within the sample housing, creating a nested configuration that protects the collected sample from contamination during handling and transport, while maintaining ease of operation through the simple folding mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A microscope-ready sample collecting device (10, 110, 210, 310) comprising a sample housing portion (80, 180, 280, 380); a sample collecting portion (90, 190, 290, 390) comprising a (16a/16b/36, 116a/116b/136, 216a/216b/236, 316a/316b/336); and a hinge element (24, 124, 224, 324) between the sample housing portion (80, 180, 280, 380) and sample collecting portion (90, 190, 290, 390) for foldably coupling the sample collecting portion to the sample housing portion.