Peristaltic Pump Fluid Sampling Device for Portable Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid sampling devices are not portable, require manual handling, suffer from sample carry-over, dilution, and are inconvenient for patients or laboratory animals, often necessitating manual treatment and storage challenges.
Innovation Solution
A body fluid sampling device with a channel and flow controller that allows for continuous sampling, automatic preparation, and analysis, featuring a peristaltic pump mechanism to deliver a controlled portion of fluid onto a collection medium, enabling portability and easy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sampling systems are used, then sampling can be performed, but the systems are not portable and depend on gravity or specific system orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gravity-dependent mechanical sampling with a peristaltic pump-based fluid delivery system. The peristaltic pump uses mechanical compression of flexible tubing to propel fluid through the channel and onto the collection medium, eliminating dependence on gravity or specific orientation. This mechanical substitution enables portable operation in any orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using fluid pressure generated by the peristaltic pump to drive sample delivery. The pump creates pressure differential that moves fluid through the channel and onto the collection medium, replacing gravity-based flow control with pressure-based control that works independently of orientation.
2Productivity
If manual handling and treatment are required, then sampling can be performed, but time and cost for manual handling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the device performs sampling, fluid delivery, and sample preparation automatically without manual intervention. The peristaltic pump automatically delivers precise fluid portions, the channel guides the fluid automatically, and the collection medium captures the sample automatically, eliminating manual pipetting, dilution, or centrifugation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the collection medium in the channel and pre-configuring the peristaltic pump for automatic fluid delivery. The system is prepared in advance to automatically complete the sampling and preparation sequence, eliminating the need for manual setup and intervention during the sampling process.
3Reliability
If rinsing fluid is used to limit carryover, then sample contamination is reduced, but sample fluid is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for rinsing fluid by using a disposable collection medium that captures the sample directly. The collection medium is designed to selectively absorb and retain the sample fluid without requiring subsequent rinsing, thereby preventing carryover contamination while avoiding the waste of rinsing fluid and sample fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable collection medium that is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for cleaning or rinsing operations. The collection medium is designed for single-use sampling, which prevents carryover between samples without requiring resource-intensive rinsing procedures that would waste sample fluid.
4Ease of operation
If minimum sample volume of 50 micro liters is required, then handling is enabled, but sample volume is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical handling methods with a peristaltic pump-based microfluidic delivery system. The pump can precisely meter and deliver very small fluid volumes through the channel, enabling reliable handling of sample volumes well below the traditional 50 micro liter minimum while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of sample volume from conventional bulk handling to microfluidic-scale handling. By using peristaltic pumping and capillary action in the collection medium, the system enables reliable operation with sample volumes in the nanoliter to microliter range, fundamentally changing the minimum viable sample volume parameter.
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 facilitates continuous, portable, and efficient sampling and analysis of body fluids, minimizing manual handling and contamination risks, while allowing for precise fluid delivery and storage, even with limited sample volumes.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a peristaltic pump mechanism to deliver a controlled portion of fluid onto a collection medium
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the invention, a body fluid sampling device is disclosed. The device includes a channel for allowing passage of the fluid through the channel, a flow controller for maintaining flow of the fluid in the channel; a flow direction controller for changing the direction of the flow of the fluid towards a collection medium; and the flow controller for delivering a portion of the fluid as a sample onto the collection medium.