Large Surface Area Collection Sponge for Sample Enrichment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surface sampling methods are inadequate for collecting and transporting samples from large areas, as they often lead to contamination, inefficient processing, and delayed enrichment, which can result in false negative results and compromised sample viability due to rough surfaces, bulky packaging, and prolonged transit times.
Innovation Solution
A sampling device with a large area collection sponge affixed to a cap, allowing for vigorous scrubbing and immediate enrichment after sample collection, featuring a bowl for grasping and minimizing hand contact, and a design that integrates collection and enrichment solutions for efficient transport and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surface sampling methods are used, then sample collection is simple, but contamination risk increases and sample representativeness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the sampling process into distinct functional zones: a collection sponge area for sample acquisition, a protected enrichment broth reservoir for immediate processing, and a handle for operator control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while minimizing cross-contamination risks and ensuring sample representativeness from large surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection sponge acts as an intermediary between the sampled surface and the enrichment broth, transferring microorganisms without direct contact between the operator's hand and the sample. The broth reservoir serves as a second intermediary, immediately receiving the sample to prevent environmental contamination while maintaining sample viability for subsequent analysis.
2Productivity
If vigorous scrubbing is performed to collect samples from rough surfaces, then sample collection effectiveness improves, but contamination risk from hand contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the operator's hand from the sampling process by providing a handle that allows vigorous scrubbing motion while keeping the hand separated from the collection sponge and sample area. This extraction maintains collection effectiveness through mechanical action while eliminating the contamination pathway that would exist with direct hand contact.
3Reliability
If samples are transported in bulky packaging, then sample protection is improved, but processing time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the sample collection function and the enrichment processing function into a single integrated unit. The enrichment broth reservoir is permanently attached to the collection sponge assembly, allowing immediate initiation of enrichment processing right after sampling without requiring separate packaging, transport, and setup steps. This combination maintains sample protection while eliminating time losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The enrichment broth is pre-loaded into the reservoir before sampling occurs. This preliminary preparation allows the enrichment process to begin immediately upon sample collection, eliminating delays that would occur if broth needed to be added or prepared after sampling. The system is ready for immediate processing action.
4Ease of operation
If enrichment is delayed after sample collection, then transport is simplified, but sample viability decreases and false negatives increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous useful action by maintaining the enrichment process active from the moment of sample collection through transport. The broth reservoir keeps the collection sponge constantly bathed in enrichment medium, ensuring uninterrupted microbial recovery and growth conditions. This continuity preserves sample viability without complicating transport, as the entire system is self-contained and requires no external intervention during transit.
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling device and a method for taking samples. The sampling device includes a cap having two ends and a collection sponge attached on one end, wherein a collection sponge diameter is greater than a collection sponge height. A lid is removably attached to a first end of the cap to cover the collection sponge; and a bowl is removably attached to a second and opposite end of the cap. The bowl can contain an enrichment broth.