Modular Sampling Device with Bonded Absorbent Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sampling devices are inadequate for collecting samples from large industrial surfaces as they are prone to breakage, contamination, and inefficiency in disrupting biofilms, leading to inaccurate results and potential food product contamination.
Innovation Solution
A sampling device with a detachable handle and connecting head, where the absorbent material is directly bonded to itself using a non-toxic adhesive, allowing for robustness and flexibility, and enabling easy detachment without direct contact to prevent contamination, suitable for use on rough and wide surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a swab with thin profile is used to access hard-to-reach areas, then accessibility is improved, but sampling efficiency on large industrial surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the sampling head into a modular structure with a connector that can attach to different handle types. The sampling head itself is segmented into absorbent material, connector, and wing components that can function independently or together, allowing adaptation to various sampling scenarios from hard-to-reach areas to large surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from traditional linear swab handles to a planar wing structure extending laterally from the handle. This dimensional change provides dual functionality: the thin profile enables access to confined spaces while the extended wing surface area improves sampling efficiency on larger industrial surfaces.
2Measurement precision
If the user presses down firmly and scrubs surfaces to disrupt biofilms, then sampling effectiveness is improved, but device breakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent material is pre-moistened with a sanitizing agent or buffer solution before sampling. This preliminary action softens and disrupts biofilms in advance, reducing the mechanical force needed during sampling and thereby minimizing the risk of device breakage while maintaining sampling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple materials with complementary properties: the handle is made from rigid, break-resistant material; the absorbent material uses a composite of cellulose and synthetic fibers for both effectiveness and flexibility; and the connector uses flexible material to accommodate sampling forces without breaking.
3Ease of operation
If direct handling of pre-moistened sponges is used for sampling, then ease of operation is improved, but sample contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling function is extracted from direct user contact with the absorbent material. The user handles only the sterile handle and connector components, while the absorbent material remains isolated in a sterile pouch or packaging until the moment of sampling, preventing contamination from user contact.
Solution Approach 2:
A sterile barrier or pouch acts as an intermediary between the user's hands and the absorbent material. This intermediary allows the user to manipulate and position the sampling device while maintaining the sterility of the absorbent material, preventing direct contact contamination.
4Strength
If a snap-off head design with thicker wall at score line is used, then durability during pressing is improved, but ease of detachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector transitions from a static, fixed-thickness design to a dynamic system where the wall thickness varies along its length. The score line features a reduced thickness section that acts as a predetermined failure point, allowing the connector to remain strong during sampling but easily detach when needed by applying gentle force at the score line.
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 effectively collects samples from large industrial surfaces without breaking or contaminating the sample, ensuring accurate results and preventing microbial contamination of food products.
Implementation Method 1
the absorbent material is directly bonded to itself using a non-toxic adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a sampling device for collecting samples having a detachable handle with a threaded portion. The device for collecting samples is further provided having a connecting head with a receiving member whereby the receiving member detachably engages the threaded portion of the handle. An absorbent material is placed about the connecting head wherein the absorbent material is a single piece of generally rectangular material folded at a distal edge of the connecting head and adhered through at least one aperture of the connecting head. The detachable handle with the threaded portion is releasably attached to a connecting head with an absorbent material by rotating the detachable handle into the connecting head in a clockwise direction. The user can rotate the handle in a counter-clockwise direction and easily release the handle from the connecting head with the absorbent material into the collection bag.