Integrated Blood Test Assembly with Detachable Calibrated Container

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rapid tests for determining analytes in blood samples require multiple separate components, including a test strip, pricking element, and sample collection container, which can lead to cross-contamination risks and calibration issues, especially in resource-constrained settings where health and safety protocols may not be followed.

Innovation Solution

A compact assembly that integrates a hand-carrying support, a strip for blood sample application, a pricking member, and a calibrated container, where the pricking element is bonded to the support and the container is detachably linked, allowing for storage and use configurations, and includes a disinfectant-treated textile piece and a sealed film for hygiene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate components (test strip, pricking element, collection container) are used for rapid testing, then each component can be independently optimized, but the complexity of the system increases and cross-contamination risks arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehygiene and safetyVSAvoidnumber of separate components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the test strip, pricking element, and collection container into a single integrated rapid test device. The support structure holds all components in fixed positions, with the container detachably linked to the support. This integration eliminates the need for multiple separate packages and reduces cross-contamination risks by ensuring proper calibration and spacing of all elements within one device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If separate packaging is used for each component (test strip, pricking element, container), then each component can be individually sterilized, but the overall process requires multiple packages and increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterilization processVSAvoidpackaging structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates all components into a single package that can be sterilized as one unit. The support structure with attached test strip, pricking element, and container allows for unified sterilization processes, eliminating the need for multiple separate packaging and sterilization steps while maintaining hygiene standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If a calibrated container is integrated with the test strip and pricking element, then sample collection precision improves, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood sample volume calibrationVSAvoidintegration of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates a calibrated collection container with the test strip and pricking element on a common support structure. The container includes calibration marks for precise volume measurement (e.g., 50 µL, 100 µL), and is detachably linked to the support, allowing for precise sample collection while maintaining a manageable device structure through systematic integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If the container is detachably linked to the support, then the container can be positioned in storage and use configurations, but the assembly structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer positioningVSAvoiddetachable linkage mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a detachable linkage mechanism that allows the container to be positioned in different configurations - stored attached to the support or detached and positioned separately. This dynamic positioning capability improves ease of operation during both storage and use phases, with the detachable connection providing flexibility without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2764363B1Assembly for determining the presence or absence of an analyte in a blood sample and analysis unit comprising such an assembly
Publication Date: 2018.02.14 BIOMERIEUX SA
  • EP2764363B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2764363B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2764363B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly (1) comprising: a transportable support (2); a strip (4) attached to the support (2) and comprising an application area (6) for applying the sample and at least one reagent required for the analysis; a piercing member (12) for piercing the skin and a blood vessel; and a container (10) for collecting, storing and returning the human or animal blood sample. The piercing member (12) is inserted into the container (10). The tip (12) is connected to the support (2). The container (10) is removably connected to the support (2) such that it can occupy either a storage configuration or a use configuration in which the container (10) is placed close to the application area (6).