Layered Specimen Swab Structure for Complete Sample Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen collection devices face issues such as high manufacturing costs, discomfort during use, and inefficiencies in specimen collection and release, particularly with hydrophilic fiber materials, leading to incomplete specimen collection and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rod-shaped element wrapped in multiple layers of water-absorbing films, made of materials like PVC or non-water-absorbing alloys, which are bonded using heat to form a water-absorbing end part, allowing for efficient specimen collection and reduced discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydrophilic fiber material is wound on the end part of the rod to absorb specimens, then specimen absorption capacity is improved, but the fiber material permeates into the rod end part causing incomplete specimen release and potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbing material is segmented into a separate layer positioned between the rod end part and the specimen collection area. This layered structure prevents the hydrophilic fibers from permeating into the rod while maintaining their specimen absorption capacity, thereby solving the contradiction between absorption capacity and release completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-water-absorbing layer is introduced as an intermediary between the hydrophilic fiber material and the rod end part. This intermediary layer acts as a barrier that prevents fiber permeation into the rod while allowing the hydrophilic fibers to effectively absorb and release specimens, resolving the contamination issue.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the end part of the rod is made of hard material with a cut-off end for protection, then patient safety is improved, but the hard end part causes discomfort during specimen collection
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible, water-absorbing material layer is applied over the hard rod end part, creating a soft outer surface that contacts the patient's mucous membranes. This flexible layer provides comfort during insertion while the underlying hard rod maintains structural integrity and protection, resolving the contradiction between safety and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod end part is constructed as a composite structure combining hard material (for strength and protection) with soft, hydrophilic fiber material (for comfort and specimen absorption). This composite design integrates the advantages of both materials, achieving both patient safety and comfort simultaneously.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If circular fiber material is wound around the end part to protect the cut-off circumference, then patient protection is improved, but the bulky fibrous material causes discomfort in urethra or eyes
Solution Approach 1:
A thin, flexible water-absorbing film is used to cover the rod end part instead of bulky wound fiber material. This thin film provides sufficient protection for the cut-off circumference while being comfortable for insertion into sensitive areas like urethra or eyes, resolving the contradiction between protection and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-absorbing material is applied locally only where needed for protection and absorption, rather than wrapping the entire rod. This localized application provides necessary protection at the end part while minimizing bulk in areas that would cause discomfort during insertion.
4Reliability
If conventional flocked swab is used to avoid fiber permeation issues, then specimen collection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process parameters are optimized by using a simplified layering approach with standard materials rather than complex electrostatic flocking. This parameter change in the manufacturing method maintains specimen collection reliability while significantly improving production efficiency and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex electrostatic flocking mechanism is replaced with a simpler mechanical layering process where water-absorbing material is applied in layers and secured with adhesive. This substitution maintains the reliability of preventing fiber permeation while dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process and improving productivity.
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 provides cost-effective specimen collection with improved patient comfort and complete specimen retention, minimizing contamination and enhancing manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the fibers have necessary hydrophilic characteristics and can quickly absorb a sufficient number of samples for collection and testing
Implementation Method 2
bonded using heat to form a water-absorbing end part
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a device for collecting a fluid specimen. The device comprises a water-absorbing end part formed by bonding a first porous water-absorbing film and a second porous water-absorbing film. Preferably, the second porous water-absorbing film and the first porous water-absorbing film are sponge films.