Ramp-Guided Biological Sample Transfer Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transferring biological samples, such as buccal cells, to storage media are labor-intensive and prone to contamination, requiring operator skill and precise pressure and timing.
Innovation Solution
A controlled transfer biological collection device with a body housing a treated medium and a moveable sample collection member featuring a ramp to ensure consistent and reproducible transfer of the sample onto the medium, utilizing a slideable and foldable design to facilitate the transfer process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual transfer of buccal cells to storage medium is performed by operator manipulation, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but transfer consistency and reproducibility deteriorate due to operator skill dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service operation where the ramp structure automatically guides the collection member onto the storage medium when the user inserts the device into their mouth. The geometric constraint of the ramp performs the transfer action without requiring manual manipulation, eliminating operator skill dependency while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp structure changes the spatial parameters and orientation of the collection member automatically during insertion. This geometric transformation ensures consistent transfer positioning and pressure application without requiring the operator to control these parameters manually.
2Productivity
If manual transfer technique is used with treated medium, then DNA extraction is streamlined, but contamination risk increases due to exposure of the medium during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The storage medium is pre-positioned within the device housing in a protected state before use. The ramp structure is pre-configured to guide the collection member onto the medium only at the intended transfer moment, preventing premature exposure or contamination of the medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp structure acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates the transfer process. It controls the interaction between the collection member and storage medium, enabling transfer while maintaining physical barriers that prevent contamination during the process.
3Manufacturing precision
If pressure and timing of transfer are controlled manually, then transfer accuracy can be adjusted, but operator skill requirement increases making the device difficult to use consistently
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs the pressure control function automatically through the mechanical design of the ramp structure. When the user simply inserts the device, the ramp's geometry automatically applies the correct pressure and maintains it for the appropriate duration, eliminating the need for operator skill in pressure and timing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical control of pressure and timing by the operator is replaced with an automated mechanical system - the ramp structure. This passive mechanical device uses the user's insertion motion to automatically generate and maintain the required transfer pressure without human intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A controlled transfer biological sample material collection device is disclosed which includes a body and a sample collection member for collecting the biological sample material, the body housing a sample storage medium for generally dry storage of the biological material, the collection member being moveable from an exposed position where collection of a biological sample is possible, to a transfer position which effects transfer of at least a portion of the collected sample to said medium. The body of the device slideably supports the sample collection member, and the body or collection member includes a ramp-like projection portion operable to force the collection member into the transfer position against the medium and to effect the transfer as the collection member slides within the body.