Saliva Collection Kit with Pneumatic Suction for Automated PCR Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting COVID-19 using PCR are limited by manual processes, which restrict the number of detections and pose contamination risks, and existing biological sample collection devices require manual transfer of saliva, complicating the analysis.
Innovation Solution
A kit and method for collecting biological substances, featuring a collection tool with a stretchable absorbent, a container, and a cap member that allows for efficient suction and preservation of saliva, enabling automated transfer to a PCR device without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual processes are used for PCR detection, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but the number of detections is limited and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device enables automated operation where the system itself performs the detection process without requiring manual intervention. The device structure allows automatic sample collection, preservation, and transfer to PCR apparatus, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for operator involvement in each detection step.
2Reliability
If manual transfer of saliva is required, then ease of operation is maintained, but contamination risk increases and detection capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical transfer operations with an automated suction mechanism. The collection device incorporates a suction space and suction port that enable automatic aspiration of preservation solution containing the sample, eliminating the need for manual transfer operations and thereby reducing contamination risk while maintaining ease of use.
3Productivity
If an absorbent is used to collect saliva, then collection efficiency is improved, but manual squeezing and transfer operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a suction-based pneumatic mechanism to replace manual squeezing operations. The collection device includes a suction space communicably connected to the absorbent, allowing preservation solution to be automatically drawn into contact with the absorbent material through suction pressure, thereby eliminating manual work while maintaining collection efficiency.
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 kit efficiently provides saliva to PCR devices, reducing manual handling and contamination risks, thereby increasing detection capacity and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a collecting body for collecting the biological substance
Implementation Method 2
the collecting body is formed of a stretchable material that can absorb the biological substance
Implementation Method 3
a suction space for suctioning the biological substance and the preservation solution from the outside of the container body
Implementation Method 4
a seal for sealing the cap-side insertion opening
Data Source
AI summary
The collection kit 1 according to the present invention comprises a collection tool 10 for collecting saliva, a container body for housing the collection tool 10 and a preservation solution for saliva, and a cap for closing the container body. The collection tool 10 comprises a saliva absorbent 12 for collecting saliva, a housing body 14 for housing the saliva absorbent 12, and a pressing body 16 for pressing a collection body 12 and forming a suction space S that is for sucking the saliva and the preservation solution from the outside of the container body 22.