Forensic Evidence Collection Device with Spring Steel Tweezers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting and storing fired cartridge casings compromise DNA and trace evidence, and fail to protect users from hazardous materials, as they involve direct handling and inadequate containment that leads to contamination and destruction of evidence.
Innovation Solution
An evidence collection device with a handle member and container member, featuring a tweezers device or adhesive tipped rod for secure pickup and storage, which suspends the casing without contact to prevent contamination and degradation of evidence, while ensuring user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cartridge casings are collected using gloved hands, tweezers, or simple objects, then the collection process is simple and quick, but DNA and trace evidence are removed and compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized collection device as an intermediary tool between the collector and the cartridge casing. The device includes a holder that receives the casing and a retrieval mechanism (such as a magnet or adhesive tip) that can pick up the casing without direct hand contact. This intermediary device prevents DNA and trace evidence removal while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical handling methods (gloved hands, standard tweezers) with an enhanced mechanical system that includes a holder and specialized retrieval mechanism. The retrieval mechanism may use magnetic fields or adhesive forces instead of direct mechanical contact, thereby preserving evidence integrity while maintaining ease of collection.
2Ease of operation
If cartridge casings are placed in paper envelopes or cotton filled boxes, then the casings can be transported and stored, but DNA and trace evidence are removed and compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a specialized holder as an intermediary containment device instead of traditional paper envelopes or cotton boxes. The holder is designed to suspend or secure the cartridge casing in a way that prevents contact between the casing and potentially contaminating materials, while still allowing for easy transport and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a holder structure that may use flexible materials or thin film barriers to contain the cartridge casing. This flexible containment system protects the casing from contact with potentially harmful materials while maintaining ease of handling and storage, unlike rigid traditional containers.
3Ease of operation
If traditional collection methods are used, then the collection process is straightforward, but users are not protected from hazardous materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a holder and retrieval mechanism as intermediary protective barriers between the user and potentially hazardous materials on the cartridge casing. This intermediary system allows users to collect casings straightforwardly while preventing direct exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or other hazardous substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs protective barriers or encapsulating structures in the holder design that act as flexible shields between the user and hazardous materials. These protective elements allow for straightforward collection operations while preventing user exposure to blood, diseases, or other harmful substances.
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 effectively collects and stores cartridge casings without compromising DNA or trace evidence, preventing contamination and ensuring safe handling and transport, thereby preserving valuable forensic evidence.
Implementation Method 1
The tweezers device is preferably fabricated from a single piece of spring steel wire
Implementation Method 2
The evidence retention device may also be an adhesive tipped rod
Data Source
AI summary
An evidence collection device preferably includes a handle member and a container member. The handle member preferably includes an evidence retention device and a handle portion. The evidence retention device preferably includes at least one loop, a first arm and a second arm. First and second clearance slots are formed in the handle portion to provide clearance for the first and second arms. A retention dowel is inserted through the at least one loop and into the handle portion to retain the evidence retention device. The container member is sized to receive the handle portion. A tapered surface is preferably formed on one end of the handle portion. In use, the first and second arms are squeezed together with two fingers for insertion into a cartridge casing. The one end of the handle portion is inserted into the container member and retained by friction.