Push-Activated Valve Collection System for Ambient Sample Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological sample collection systems face challenges in maintaining the integrity of biomolecules under ambient conditions, especially for remote collection and transportation, and require user-friendly designs for novice users, while ensuring safe handling of preservatives.
Innovation Solution
A biological sample collection system with a push-activated valve that separates a sample collection reservoir from a storage chamber, using a cap to mechanically open the valve for sample release into the chamber, allowing mixing with a stabilizing composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a two-compartment system with preservative is used, then biomolecule stability is improved, but user safety and ease of operation deteriorate due to risk of preservative exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device is divided into two separate compartments: a collection reservoir for the biological sample and a storage chamber for the preservative solution. This physical separation prevents the preservative from contacting the user during sample collection, while still allowing mixing when needed. The compartments can be connected through a valve mechanism that controls fluid transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
A valve mechanism acts as an intermediary between the collection reservoir and storage chamber. The valve controls the flow of preservative solution from the storage chamber into the collection reservoir, enabling automated or controlled mixing without direct user handling of the preservative. This intermediary mechanism protects users from preservative exposure while maintaining system functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If freezing storage is used, then biomolecule stability is improved, but portability and ease of transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter from freezing conditions to ambient temperature storage. By using stable preservative solutions that maintain biomolecule integrity at room temperature, the need for freezing equipment and cold chain logistics is eliminated, significantly improving portability while maintaining sample stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection device is designed as a disposable single-use system with integrated preservative. This eliminates the need for reusable equipment that would require cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance under controlled temperature conditions. The preservative solution is pre-loaded and sealed, providing long-term stability without requiring external freezing infrastructure.
3Device complexity
If manual mixing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but sample preparation reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an automated mixing mechanism where the preservative solution is automatically dispensed from the storage chamber into the collection reservoir through a valve mechanism. This self-service feature ensures consistent and complete mixing without requiring manual intervention, improving reliability while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The preservative solution is pre-loaded into the storage chamber during manufacturing, and the valve mechanism is pre-configured to control the mixing process. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the device is used, the mixing process occurs automatically and reliably without requiring the user to manually combine components or follow complex procedures.
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, user-friendly collection and transportation of biological samples at ambient temperatures, preserving biomolecules and preventing exposure to preservatives until analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a pusher comprising a first end extending from an inner portion of the cap and an opposing second end, the second end of the pusher extending a distance from the inner portion of the cap towards the open end of the cap and being configured to engage with the valve of the sample collection reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A biological sample collection system including a containment vessel; a sample collection reservoir disposed toward a first end of the containment vessel and a valve disposed in a sample receiving area. The valve includes a closed configuration, such that when the valve is in the closed configuration the biological sample is retained in the sample collection reservoir, and an open configuration, such that when the valve is in the open configuration the biological sample is released from the sample collection reservoir into a sample storage chamber of the containment vessel. A cap includes a pusher. When the biological sample collection system is closed by engagement of the containment vessel with the cap, the pusher engages with the valve thereby moving the valve from the closed configuration to the open configuration to permit the biological sample to be released from the sample collection reservoir into the containment vessel.