Inverted Sampling Bag with Integrated Collection Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food product sampling methods often lead to cross-contamination and require multiple consumables, as the sample collection material is not securely integrated into the sampling bag, making it difficult to handle and increasing the risk of contamination during the sampling process.
Innovation Solution
A sampling apparatus featuring a bag with a sample collection material securely attached to its inside surface, allowing for inversion to expose and collect samples without exposing the interior, thereby reducing cross-contamination and the need for additional consumables, and enabling secure re-inversion to enclose the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sample collection material is not securely integrated into the sampling bag, then the sampling process requires multiple consumables and complex handling procedures, but this increases the risk of cross-contamination and sample loss
Solution Approach 1:
The sample collection material is integrated directly into the sampling bag, combining multiple functions (sampling, containment, and transport) into a single unified device. This eliminates the need for separate containers and handling steps, reducing both complexity and contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling bag is pre-prepared with the collection material securely attached to the interior surface before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site assembly or complex handling procedures during the actual sampling process.
2Ease of operation
If the sampling bag is inverted to expose the sample collection material, then access for sample collection is improved, but this may expose the interior to potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling bag is designed to be inverted for sample collection, with the collection material attached to the interior surface. Inversion exposes the collection material for sampling while the exterior surface that contacts the environment remains closed, preventing contamination of the sterile interior.
3Loss of substance
If the sample collection material is secured to an inside surface of the bag, then the need for additional consumables is reduced, but the bag must be large enough to permit inversion
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling bag serves multiple functions: it contains the collection material, provides a sterile environment for sampling, and acts as a transport container. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate consumables while the volume is optimized to accommodate the inversion operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Sampling of food products and/or surfaces can be efficiently carried out by providing an apparatus comprising a bag construction incorporating a sample collection material secured to an inside surface of the bag. The bag is of a size large enough to permit inversion of the bag to expose the sample collection material for collection of samples from surfaces, followed by re-inversion to enclose the sample collection material. Methods for sampling food products and/or surfaces for detection of pathogens, microbial contaminants and/or constituents in products or on surfaces are additionally contemplated.