Multi-Swab Specimen Container Cap with Secure Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional specimen collection and storage kits require multiple containers for specimens collected from different body parts, leading to cumbersome management and increased contamination risk during swab removal.
Innovation Solution
A container cover that allows multiple swabs to be stored in a single container, featuring a detachable design with an insertion coupling portion and protruding fitting portion for secure swab retention, ensuring airtightness and easy swab removal without manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple swabs are stored in separate specimen collection kits, then each specimen is properly stored, but the number of kits increases and management becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple swab storage functions into a single specimen collection container by adding a reusable cover with multiple coupling portions. Each coupling portion can hold one swab, allowing multiple swabs to be stored together in one container instead of requiring separate kits for each swab.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable cover serves multiple functions: it seals the container, provides multiple coupling portions for holding multiple swabs, and can be reused across different containers. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate single-swab kits while maintaining proper storage for each specimen.
2Ease of operation
If manual swab removal is performed, then specimens can be accessed, but contamination risk increases and operational inconvenience occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cover and swabs are coupled together to form an integrated assembly. When the cover is removed from the container, the swabs are automatically removed with it, eliminating the need for manual swab extraction and reducing contamination risk from handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The swabs are pre-coupled to the cover before container closure. This preliminary coupling ensures that when the cover is removed, the swabs are automatically extracted without requiring manual manipulation, thereby preventing contamination during the access process.
3Loss of information
If information is filled on multiple specimen containers, then each specimen is documented, but labor and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple swabs from the same subject are stored together in a single container with the reusable cover. This consolidation means that subject information needs to be recorded only once on one container label rather than repeatedly on multiple separate container labels, reducing labor and time.
4Productivity
If a single container stores multiple swabs, then storage efficiency improves, but swab retention security must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling portions on the cover are designed with asymmetric features including protrusions and recesses that create a secure fit with the swabs. The coupling structure includes interfering portions that prevent accidental dislodging while allowing intentional removal, maintaining security despite multiple swabs being stored together.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention can provide a container cap for storing a specimen, the container cap being characterized by comprising: a cap body which includes a tubular side portion and a bottom portion coupled to one end of the side portion, and is detachably screw-fastened to an open side of a specimen storage container in which one or more specimen collection swabs are inserted; an insertion coupling part which protrudes from the bottom portion toward the specimen storage container and has an inner space formed therein, wherein respective stick portions of the one or more specimen collection swabs are inserted into the inner space and fitted and coupled thereto; and a protrusion fitting part which is positioned at the central portion of the inner space and protrudes from the bottom surface of the cover body.