Saliva Collection Device with Piercing Capsule Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample collection devices for human saliva are difficult to use, with awkward sizes, complex operation, instability, unclear orientation, resistant caps, inconsistent stabilization fluid mixing, and non-fail-safe patient record connection.
Innovation Solution
A sample collection device featuring a tube with a connected funnel and cap, where the cap includes a sealed capsule with a pierceable seal and a piercing insert for irreversible sealing and mixing of stabilization fluid, ensuring easy use and stabilization during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional sample collection device is used, then the device can collect saliva samples, but the device is difficult to use with awkward sizes and complex operation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a collection tube containing stabilization fluid, a separate funnel with orientation indicators, and a cap assembly with piercing mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, reducing overall operational complexity while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization fluid is pre-loaded into the collection tube before use, and the funnel is pre-assembled with orientation indicators. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to perform complex assembly steps during sample collection, significantly improving ease of operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional sample collection device is used, then the device can hold the sample, but the device is unstable on flat surfaces and has unclear orientation indications
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel incorporates color-coded orientation indicators (e.g., colored bands or arrows) that visually indicate the correct orientation for sample collection. This use of color changes and visual cues eliminates confusion about proper device orientation and ensures users can quickly identify the correct positioning.
3Reliability
If a traditional sample collection device is used, then the device can close the tube, but the cap is resistant to closure and does not ensure irreversible sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from a simple cap closure and implemented as a dedicated piercing mechanism within the cap assembly. The piercing element physically penetrates the tube seal, providing irreversible sealing that is both reliable and easy to operate, eliminating the resistance issues associated with traditional cap closures.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional sample collection device is used, then the device can transport the sample, but the stabilization fluid mixing is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing mechanism serves as an intermediary that ensures consistent mixing of stabilization fluid with the saliva sample. By physically piercing the tube and activating the mixing mechanism, the device guarantees uniform distribution of stabilization fluid, eliminating the inconsistency problems associated with manual mixing methods.
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
The device facilitates easy, clinician-supervision-free saliva collection and transport, with clear orientation, stable handling, and effective mixing of stabilization fluid, enhancing user experience and sample integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a piercing device... The piercing insert ensures that the seal is irreversibly opened once the cap is screwed onto the tube
Implementation Method 2
facilitates complete mixing of the stabilization fluid in the capsule and the sample in the tube
Data Source
Figure 1A~1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A sample collection device having a sample tube, funnel, and cap having a capsule and a piercing insert, the capsule having a stabilization solution. After depositing the sample into the tube via the funnel, the cap is screwed onto the tube, piercing the capsule and releasing the stabilization fluid into the tube. The device can be used at home without clinicial supervision for collecting a saliva sample and transporting the sample to an analysis location for DNA analysis.