Quantitative Sample Inlet Structure to Prevent Excess Sample Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample-collecting devices often result in irregular deviations due to excessive sample input, leading to inaccurate measurements.

Innovation Solution

A sample-collecting device with a pillar-shaped inlet, a sample stopper forming a storage space, and a light diffusion part, which ensures a controlled and quantitative sample input by sealing the gap between the stopper and film part, preventing excess sample leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor strip is used for sample measurement, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but excessive sample input occurs leading to irregular measurement deviations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidsample input amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The sample storage space is pre-formed within the device structure before sample input. The storage space is defined by the sample inlet pillar, sample stopper step, and film part, creating a predetermined container that automatically receives and limits the sample volume before measurement occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sample stopper acts as an intermediary component between the sample inlet and the film part. It serves as a physical barrier that defines the storage space boundary and prevents sample leakage, while the film part serves as an intermediary that receives and distributes the sample uniformly across its surface for measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the sample inlet is designed with a large opening for easy sample input, then ease of operation is improved, but sample leakage occurs between the inlet and film part

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample input easeVSAvoidsample leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The sample inlet is segmented into multiple functional regions: the pillar-shaped inlet structure for sample reception, the central passage for sample transport, the sample stopper step for volume limitation, and the film part for sample distribution. Each segment performs a specific function that prevents leakage while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sealing mechanisms with a simple geometric sealing solution. The sample stopper step and film part contact create a seal through their physical arrangement and the capillary action within the film part, eliminating the need for additional sealing components while preventing sample leakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 accurate diagnosis by ensuring a consistent and controlled sample amount, improving measurement precision.

Implementation Method 1

a light diffusion part which has a length greater than a distance between the light entering hole and the photographing hole, is positioned between the film part and the lower housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

a film part which is positioned between the upper housing and the lower housing and on which a sample input through the sample inlet is spread

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4050318B1Sample-collecting device capable of quantitative sampling
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 1DROP INC
  • EP4050318B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4050318B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(c)
  • EP4050318B1 patent drawingFigure 4(a)~4(c)

AI summary

The present specification discloses a sample-collecting device capable of quantitative sampling. The sample-collecting device according to the present specification comprises an upper housing and a lower housing which are coupled to be engaged with each other. A film part and a light diffusion part may be provided between the upper housing and the lower housing. A pillar-shaped sample inlet having a central path may be formed in the upper surface of the upper housing, and a sample stopper may be formed as a step on the lower surface of the upper housing. The step is spaced apart by a predetermined distance from a hole in the central path, which is formed in the lower surface of the upper housing, to form a sample storage space, and the step is in contact with the film part to enable sealing so that a sample that has flowed into the sample storage space does not flow out between the sample stopper and the film part.