Liquid Sampler With Sliding Closure for First-Flow Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid sampling devices struggle to capture small initial volumes of a liquid flow, such as first-void urine, quickly and hygienically, often leading to discomfort and contamination, especially when the urine flow is fast.
Innovation Solution
A liquid sampling device with a casing, inlet, outlet, and a slidable closure member featuring a head portion and stem with slits, which allows for fast capture of the initial volume by obstructing the outlet during collection and redirecting it through slits, while the subsequent volume is diverted through the outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a small-sized container is used to collect urine, then the sampled volume can be restricted to a small initial volume fraction, but the capture speed becomes insufficient and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is designed to move dynamically between two positions: blocking the fluid outlet during initial volume collection, and then being displaced by buoyancy to allow subsequent volume to pass through. This dynamic switching enables the device to capture small initial volumes quickly while preventing contamination from later urine flow.
2Measurement precision
If the urine stream is interrupted for correct sampling, then the initial volume can be captured accurately, but user comfort decreases and unhygienic conditions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs sampling automatically without requiring user intervention to interrupt the urine stream. The closure member self-activates when urine flow enters the container, blocking the outlet initially and then automatically switching positions when the predetermined volume is reached, eliminating the need for manual stream interruption.
3Quantity of substance
If a displaceable element moves in transverse direction to capture first-void urine, then the initial volume can be collected, but it remains challenging to restrict the quantity to a small initial volume fraction
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member utilizes buoyancy force (an upward force counteracting gravity) to automatically switch positions. When the predetermined volume of urine is collected, the buoyant force on the closure member overcomes gravity, causing it to displace from the blocked position to the open position, thereby restricting the sampled volume to exactly the predetermined amount.
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 enables rapid collection of small initial urine volumes with reduced contamination risk, improving the quality of samples for diagnostic purposes and facilitating use across various age groups and genders.
Implementation Method 1
The displacement of the closure member is driven by the buoyancy force exerted on a lifting member of the liquid sampling device
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid sampling device and a kit of parts for assembling the same are disclosed. The device comprises a casing with a fluid inlet fluidly connected to a sample outlet and a fluid outlet. A head portion of an elongated closure member, slidably supported in the casing, is configured to obstruct the liquid flow through the fluid outlet when the closure member is slid into a sampling position, whereas a lower stem portion of the closure member is configured to obstruct the liquid flow through the sample outlet when the closure member is slid into a diverting position. An upper portion of the stem comprises a longitudinal slit that is stretching across the sample outlet when the closure member is slid into the sampling position. A lifting element is adapted to move the closure member from the sampling position to the diverting position while the initial volume of the liquid flow is being collected.