Pen Blood Sampler With Protected Capillary Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional blood sample collection devices are costly, complex, and expose the blood collection element to contamination, with a risk of needle stick injuries, and require skilled medical staff for operation.

Innovation Solution

A pen format liquid collection device with a movable liquid take-up and retention element, allowing untrained personnel to collect and retain blood samples safely within a housing, using absorbent materials or capillary tubes for precise volume collection and protection from contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional blood sample collection devices are used, then blood samples can be collected, but the blood collection element is exposed to potential contamination and there is a risk of needle stick injuries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample protection from contaminationVSAvoidexposure to contamination and needle stick injuries

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid take-up element is nested within the housing and can be retracted into a protected position inside the housing after sample collection. The retention element is also housed within the housing, providing a nested structure that protects the sample from contamination while allowing access when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention element acts as an intermediary between the liquid take-up element and the external environment. It receives the liquid sample from the take-up element and holds it in a protected state within the housing, mediating the transfer and protection of the sample.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If conventional blood collection devices are used, then blood samples can be collected, but skilled medical staff are required for operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation by untrained personnelVSAvoidcomplexity of operation requiring skilled staff

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables self-service blood collection where untrained individuals can perform the collection themselves. The automatic liquid transfer mechanism and protected housing design eliminate the need for skilled medical staff to manipulate complex components, making the device operable by laypersons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines the liquid take-up element, retention element, and protective housing into a single integrated unit. This merging of functions into one device simplifies the overall system and makes it easier to operate compared to separate components that would require skilled coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional blood collection devices are used, then blood samples can be collected, but the devices are costly and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost-effectiveness of deviceVSAvoidcomplexity of device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional elements: a liquid take-up element, a retention element, and a housing. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing of individual components that can be assembled into a complete device, reducing overall complexity and cost compared to monolithic designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device appears to be designed as a disposable unit where the housing, take-up element, and retention element form a single-use system. This approach eliminates the need for complex sterilization and maintenance systems, reducing device complexity and making it more cost-effective for single-use applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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, precise, and cost-effective collection of blood samples by untrained individuals, protecting samples from contamination and reducing the risk of injuries, while allowing in situ analysis or later recovery.

Implementation Method 1

using absorbent materials or capillary tubes for precise volume collection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

using absorbent materials or capillary tubes for precise volume collection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12588845B2Liquid collection device

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA

AI summary

A pen format liquid collection device includes an elongate generally tubular housing (12, 112, 212, 312) able to be held by hand and having an opening at one end, and at least one liquid take-up element (30, 130, 230, 330) mounted in the housing so as to be positioned or positionable to project at the opening, the at least one liquid take-up element then further postionable by hand manipulation of the housing to contact a volume of liquid to thereby take-up a sample of the liquid to be analysed. At least one retention element (230a, 330a) is supported in the housing. The at least one liquid take-up element and the at least one retention element are arranged whereby they are relatively movable into contact, and the at least one retention element is adapted on contact to in turn take-up the sample and retain the sample or a component thereof for in situ analysis or later recovery while protected within the housing. The liquid take-up element is preferably a capillary.