Oral Fluid Sample Collection Device with Integrated Plunger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oral fluid sample collection devices are invasive, prone to contamination, and inefficient, with risks of airborne spread and variability in sample volume, leading to unreliable analysis and increased healthcare resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
A sample collection device featuring a conduit that allows self-collection of oral fluid samples without assistance, minimizing contact with potentially infected individuals, reducing contamination risks, and ensuring accurate sample volume through a plunger and conduit system that isolates the sample from the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art saliva sample kits are used requiring spitting into a measurement vial and transferring to a secondary vial, then sample collection can be performed, but contamination risk increases significantly during transfer operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collection chamber and storage vial into a single integrated container, eliminating the need to transfer samples between separate vessels. The plunger mechanism is integrated within the same container, allowing direct compression of the sample from collection to storage position without exposure to external environment or contamination risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables sample compression and movement within the sealed container without requiring opening or transfer to another vessel. This intermediary device maintains the closed system integrity while performing the necessary sample preparation function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If users spit or drool directly into measurement vials, then sample collection is achieved, but aerosol production increases posing airborne contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sealed flexible container that directs oral fluid along the inner walls to the collection chamber, preventing aerosol formation. The flexible nature of the container allows it to deform and guide the sample flow while maintaining a closed system that contains any potential aerosols within the container walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The container walls act as an intermediary surface that intercepts and redirects oral fluid, preventing direct ejection into the environment. The sample flows along the controlled path defined by the container interior, eliminating uncontrolled aerosol generation while preserving self-collection capability.
3Device complexity
If multiple separate components are used for sample collection and measurement, then precise volume measurement can be achieved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (collection, measurement, compression, and storage) into a single integrated container with volume markings. The container itself serves as both the collection vessel and the measurement device, eliminating separate measurement vials and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining volume accuracy through internal markings.
4Ease of operation
If healthcare personnel assist with sample collection using traditional methods, then proper sample acquisition can be ensured, but exposure to potentially infected samples increases requiring more PPE
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to independently complete the entire sample collection and preparation process without healthcare personnel assistance. The integrated design with clear volume markings and automatic plunger activation allows users to collect, measure, and seal samples correctly on their own, eliminating exposure risks for healthcare workers while ensuring proper collection technique through design guidance.
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 safe, efficient, and reliable collection of oral fluid samples, reducing the need for personal protective equipment, minimizing contamination risks, and ensuring accurate analysis by isolating the sample and controlling the sample volume.
Implementation Method 1
a plunger configured to expel the fluid out of the sample collection chamber through the chamber outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A sample collection device for collecting a fluid sample, including a sample collection chamber for collecting a sample therein, wherein the chamber includes a chamber outlet through which a fluid sample can pass. The device further includes a sample collection conduit extending through an opening of sample collection chamber to an outside of the sample collection chamber, wherein the sample collection conduit includes a conduit inlet for receiving a fluid sample and a conduit outlet for allowing the fluid sample to pass into the sample collection chamber. The device further includes a plunger configured to expel the fluid out of the sample collection chamber through the chamber outlet.