Quantitative Blood Sampling Tube With Anti-Reuse Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing point-of-care testing devices face challenges in quantitative analyte collection, require additional instruments for volume measurement, lead to misdiagnosis due to improper reagent administration, necessitate multiple materials, and lack mechanical locking to prevent reuse.
Innovation Solution
A point-of-care testing device with a tubular body, cap, test strip, and reagent tube, featuring locking protrusions and vent holes, allows for quantitative analyte collection without additional tools, prevents reagent over/under administration, and includes a mechanism to prevent reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate instrument is used for quantitative collection of blood, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collection tube, test strip, and quantitative measurement function into a single integrated device. The tube's internal structure includes a test strip positioned to automatically contact with the collected sample, eliminating the need for separate measurement instruments while maintaining quantitative accuracy through the tube's designed geometry and internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service quantitative measurement through its integrated design. The tube automatically measures the volume of collected blood based on its internal structure and the position of the test strip, without requiring external instruments or complex calibration procedures. The user simply collects the sample and the system self-determines the quantity.
2Ease of operation
If reagent administration is performed manually, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to over/under administration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the reagent directly into the tube's structure during manufacturing, positioning it in advance at the precise location where it is needed. The reagent is pre-loaded in a controlled amount within the tube body or on the test strip, ensuring accurate dosage before the user performs any operation. This preliminary preparation eliminates manual measurement errors while keeping the operation simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The test strip acts as an intermediary between the collected sample and the reagent. It is positioned within the tube to automatically interact with the sample and facilitate controlled reagent delivery. The test strip's design ensures that the reagent is administered in the correct quantity through its physical structure and chemical properties, mediating the interaction between user action and precise dosing.
3Ease of manufacture
If a round-shaped test container is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to inability to stand upright
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the traditionally round container shape by introducing an asymmetric flat surface or flat bottom portion. This asymmetric modification allows the tube to stand upright stably on a surface while maintaining the overall cylindrical form for ease of manufacture. The flat surface creates a stable base without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity, resolving the conflict between manufacturability and stability.
4Reliability
If mechanical locking device is added to prevent reuse, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tube into distinct segments or components with different functions, including a separate locking mechanism integrated into the tube structure. The locking device is designed as a distinct element that can engage with corresponding features on the cap or tube body, providing clear visual and mechanical indication of single-use status. This segmentation makes the anti-reuse feature identifiable and functional without overly complicating the overall device.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a point-of-care testing device including a tubular body (10); a cap (12) mounted on an upper end of the body (10) and configured to move along a lengthwise direction of the body (10); a test strip (13) spaced apart from an inner bottom surface of the body (10) by a tolerance (d) and configured to move inside the body (10) as the cap (12) is press-fitted into the body (10); a collecting portion (11) protruding from a lower end of the body (10) downward and being in fluid communication with the body (10); and a reagent tube (14) formed so that at least a part of the body (10) is inserted therein and at least a part of a bottom surface of the reagent tube (14) has a flat surface.