Frictional Tissue Sampling Device Abrasive Head Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biopsy methods are invasive, painful, and inefficient, particularly for obtaining samples from lesions caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, as they often require sharp tools or large devices that can cause trauma and fail to collect sufficient tissue for accurate diagnosis.

Innovation Solution

A frictional tissue sampling and collection device with a handle and a flat, concave, or convex surface featuring an abrasive fabric, which is ultrasonically welded or adhered using UV light-activated adhesive, allowing for minimal invasive and gentle abrasion of tissue surfaces to collect biopsy samples without causing significant trauma.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sharp tools or large devices are used for biopsy, then tissue sampling capability is improved, but tissue trauma and patient pain increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue sampling capabilityVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces sharp cutting tools with friction-based mechanical abrasion using an abrasive head that generates heat through friction to disrupt and collect tissue cells, eliminating the need for sharp blades and reducing tissue trauma

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of tissue through frictional heat generation, using thermal energy from abrasion to facilitate cell disruption and release, thereby improving sampling efficiency without mechanical cutting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If conventional biopsy devices are used, then tissue collection is achieved, but sample sufficiency and diagnostic accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue sample amountVSAvoiddiagnostic accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the tissue sampling process into multiple collection phases, gathering cells from different depths and layers of the tissue through prolonged frictional abrasion, thereby accumulating sufficient diagnostic material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies continuous frictional abrasion over an extended period to progressively collect tissue cells, ensuring sufficient sample quantity and representativeness for accurate diagnosis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If invasive biopsy methods are used, then tissue sampling is achieved, but patient comfort and procedural simplicity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling effectivenessVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive cutting mechanisms with non-invasive friction-based cell disruption, significantly reducing patient pain and discomfort while maintaining sampling effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of friction and heat into a beneficial mechanism for cell disruption and tissue sampling, transforming what could be damaging into a controlled and effective diagnostic tool

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 enables the collection of biopsy samples with minimal pain and trauma, providing sufficient tissue for diagnosis while maintaining the integrity of the sample, even from hard-to-reach areas, and is effective in sampling lesions caused by various pathogens.

Implementation Method 1

frictional trans-epithelial tissue disruption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

Frictional abrasive forces create heat which buckles the epithelial surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrictional heating: Viscous Heating

Implementation Method 3

adhesive which is activated by ultraviolet (UV) light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV light-activated adhesive: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20220175352A1Frictional tissue sampling and collection method and device

Publication Date: 2022.06.09 HISTOLOGICS LLC

AI summary

In an embodiment of the invention, a frictional tissue sampling device with a head designed to be rotated without rotating off the designated site can be used to obtain tissue biopsy samples. A frictional tissue sampling device with a head designed to be rotated without rotating off the designated site can be used to obtain an epithelial tissue biopsy sample from lesions. The device can be otherwise used to sample specific locations. In various embodiments, the head of the device is narrow and pointed with a hybrid pear shaped diamond facet. The facet contour can be concave, convex or flat. Abrasive material can be adhered to the facet contour.