Frangible Sample Transfer Device for Contamination Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing miniaturized analytical devices face challenges in sample handling and management, particularly in transferring small volumes of liquid samples, which are prone to operator error and contamination, especially when dealing with potentially hazardous substances, and require additional complexity to contain contamination risks.

Innovation Solution

A sample transfer device with a detachable sample collecting portion and a frangible portion that allows for safe handling and separation of the sample, featuring an elongate body with a handling portion and a sample collecting portion, where the frangible portion facilitates mechanical separation to prevent contamination and exposure to hazardous substances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If direct contact sampling method is used, then sample collection is simplified, but contamination risk and operator exposure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample collection simplicityVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into three distinct segments: a non-contaminating handle portion, a frangible portion, and a sample collecting portion. This segmentation allows the sample collecting portion to be detached and disposed of separately, preventing contamination of the handle portion and reducing operator exposure to hazardous substances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sample collecting portion is extracted as a separate, detachable component from the handle. This extraction enables the sample collection function to be isolated from the handling function, allowing safe disposal of contaminated parts while keeping the non-contaminating handle intact for reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Volume of moving object

If small volume samples are handled, then device miniaturization is achieved, but operator error and transfer precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample volumeVSAvoidsample transfer precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sample collecting portion acts as an intermediary between the sample source and the analysis device. It provides a dedicated collection chamber that securely holds small volumes of sample, eliminating the need for operator manipulation of microliter-scale samples and reducing transfer errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If hazardous samples are handled directly, then sampling is direct, but safety and contamination containment worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling efficiencyVSAvoidhazardous substance exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sample collecting portion is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning and decontamination procedures, improving safety by ensuring that hazardous substances cannot persist in the device and be transferred to subsequent samples or the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 ensures safe and efficient transfer of liquid samples by preventing contamination and exposure, allowing for comfortable handling and separation, while accommodating diverse sample types and origins, including biological, environmental, and cosmetic samples.

Implementation Method 1

a frangible portion disposed between the handling portion and the sample collecting portion, wherein the frangible portion is configured to enable complete separation of the sample collecting portion from the sample transfer device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFracture: Fracture Mechanics

Implementation Method 2

a sample collecting portion disposed at the second end and arranged to provide for means to receive a volume of the liquid sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12403463B2Sample transfer device

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 BIOSURFIT

AI summary

A device for collecting and transferring liquid samples having a detachable sample collecting portion includes an elongated body with a liquid collecting portion disposed at one end and a handling portion disposed at the other end separated by a frangible portion. The sample collecting portion includes an inner surface configured to be wetted by the sample. After collection, the sample is transferred into a separate housing by inserting the sample collecting portion filled with sample into a confining cavity and subsequently breaking the sample transfer device along the frangible portion. The liquid sample is extracted from the collecting portion using known means to drive and control flow in fluidic devices including rotation, capillary pressure or pneumatics. The separate housing may be part of a device capable to process the liquid sample to provide for a system for handling liquid samples.