Liquid Harvesting Section for Safe Sample Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection apparatuses face challenges in safely collecting remaining samples and sample holding wells without increasing apparatus size or cost, and user burden, especially in preventing biohazards during the process.
Innovation Solution
A detection method and system that utilize a liquid harvesting section to transfer remaining samples from the sample holding well to a sample collection well with a smaller opening area, reducing the risk of spillage and biohazard exposure, without the need for special devices or attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the opening area of the sample holding well is made large to facilitate sample introduction, then sample introduction ease is improved, but sample spillage risk increases during removal or movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample handling process into two distinct containers: a sample holding well with large opening for easy sample introduction, and a sample collection well with small opening for safe storage. The liquid harvesting section automatically transfers the sample between these segmented containers, allowing each container to be optimized for its specific function without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid harvesting section acts as an intermediary mechanism that automatically transfers the sample from the holding well to the collection well. This intermediary system eliminates the need for manual handling of the sample between containers, preventing spillage while maintaining easy sample introduction through the large opening of the holding well
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a mechanism for automatic collection of remaining sample and sample holding well is provided, then sample collection safety is improved, but apparatus size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid harvesting section is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to introduce the sample into the detection apparatus and to collect the remaining sample from the holding well. This universal component performs multiple functions without requiring separate specialized mechanisms, thereby avoiding increase in apparatus size and cost while maintaining sample collection safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service sample collection where the liquid harvesting section automatically retrieves the remaining sample from the holding well after detection. This automatic self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual intervention systems or additional safety devices, achieving sample collection safety without increasing apparatus complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a disposal box is attached to the detection apparatus, then sample disposal safety is improved, but apparatus complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sample collection well is designed as a separable component that can be easily removed from the detection apparatus after sample collection. This extraction design allows safe sample disposal outside the apparatus without requiring a permanently attached disposal box, thereby reducing apparatus complexity and space requirements while maintaining sample disposal safety
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the user manually seals the sample holding well after detection, then sample containment safety is improved, but user burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic sample containment through the liquid harvesting section, which automatically transfers and secures the remaining sample in the collection well after detection. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual sealing operations by the user, reducing user burden while maintaining sample containment safety through the automated transfer process
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
Enables safe and efficient collection of remaining samples and sample holding wells, preventing spillage and biohazard exposure, while maintaining apparatus size and cost efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
harvesting a sample from a sample holding well that holds a sample and moving the sample to a detection chip that captures a detection target substance contained in the sample, via a liquid harvesting section
Implementation Method 2
harvesting a remaining sample from the sample holding well and moving the remaining sample to a sample collection well via the liquid harvesting section
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a detection method which can safely recover a remaining sample from a detection device without causing a biological disaster. In order to achieve at least one of these goals, this detection method involves: a sample collection step for collecting a sample from the sample holding well, and transferring the same to a detection chip; a detection step for detecting the detected substance captured in the detection chip by means of a detection unit; and, after the sample collection step, a remaining sample recovery step for collecting the sample remaining in the sample holding well and transferring this to a sample recovery well. At that time, after the remaining sample recovery step, the surface area of the opening in the sample recovery well is smaller than the surface area of the opening in the sample holding well.