Rigid Clamp Sampling Device for Biofilm Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for collecting biological material from surfaces, particularly microorganisms, are inadequate for sampling hard-to-reach areas and biofilms, often requiring complex and costly moving parts, glue residues, and risk damage to the collecting means or containers during detachment.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with a rigidly connected clamp structure at the end of a handle, allowing for secure fixation and removal of a collecting means without moving parts, glue, or cantilever structures, enabling thorough scrubbing and easy transfer into a container without damaging the sample or container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a collecting means is glued to the holding device, then the fixation is strong and reliable, but glue residues contaminate the collecting means and impede subsequent cultivation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful glue substance from the fixation process and replaces it with a mechanical fixation means comprising a clamp structure with clamping arms that can grip the collecting means without leaving residues. The clamp structure provides reliable fixation through mechanical interlocking while maintaining the collecting means free from contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary mechanical fixation means (clamp structure with clamping arms) between the holding device and the collecting means. This intermediary structure transfers the fixation function from chemical adhesion (glue) to mechanical gripping, eliminating glue residue contamination while maintaining reliable fixation.
2Ease of operation
If the collecting means is snapped off from the holding device, then detachment is easy, but fragments of the holding device damage the container and require removal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the breaking/snapping mechanism from the detachment process and replaces it with a reversible mechanical clamping system. The clamping arms can be opened to release the collecting means without any breaking or fragmenting, eliminating the harmful effect of device fragments on the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the holding device reusable through the reversible clamping mechanism, eliminating the need for disposable breaking points. The clamp structure can be opened and closed multiple times, allowing the same device to be used repeatedly without generating fragments or requiring disposal.
3Reliability
If barbed tines are used as hook structures, then the collecting means is held securely, but the structure is too fragile for thorough scrubbing and may damage the collecting member
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a stronger, more robust version of the hook structure by replacing fragile barbed tines with a rigid clamp structure comprising clamping arms. This copied structure maintains the holding function while significantly increasing structural strength to withstand thorough scrubbing without damaging the collecting member.
4Adaptability or versatility
If movable gripping members are used to fixate the collecting means, then the device can switch between fixation and release positions, but the moving parts are complicated, expensive, and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the fixation and release functions into a single integrated clamp structure without separate moving parts. The clamping arms are rigidly connected to the handle, and the fixation/release switching is achieved through simple manual manipulation rather than complex mechanical mechanisms, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp structure is designed to be manually operated without requiring complex actuating mechanisms. The user can directly open and close the clamping arms to achieve fixation and release, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for complicated moving parts that are prone to failure.
5Ease of manufacture
If a frame with cantilever structures is used, then the collecting means can be received, but the structure is too fragile to allow thorough surface scrubbing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a composite structure combining a rigid handle with a robust clamp structure made from materials suitable for withstanding mechanical stress during thorough scrubbing. This composite design maintains ease of manufacture through simple rigid connections while achieving the necessary strength and durability for aggressive sampling of biofilms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for fixation of a collecting means (9) suitable for collecting biological material, comprising a handle (1), a support means (2), and a fixation means (3), wherein the support means (2) and the fixation means (3) are provided at a common end (4) of the handle (1); wherein the support means (2) is adapted to receive the collecting means (9) covering an exposed end (13) of the support means (2) distal from the handle (1); wherein the fixation means (3) is adapted to provide at least a first clamp structure (5) adapted to fixate the collecting means (9) to the support means (2); wherein the fixation means (3) is substantially rigidly connected to the end (4) of the handle (1); and the fixation means (3) comprises at least a first section (6) distal to the end of the handle (1), and at least a second section (7) more proximal to the end (4) of the handle (1) than the at least first section (6); wherein the first section (6) is provided laterally distal to the longitudinal axis of the handle (1); wherein the second section (7) is provided laterally proximal to the longitudinal axis of the handle (1); and wherein the second section (7) is adapted to fixate the collecting means (9). The present invention relates to a kit-of-parts comprising said device, to a method for hygiene monitoring and use of the device.