Saliva Sample Container With Membrane Sealing and Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing saliva collection systems lack the ability to easily control the quantity of sample collected, which is crucial for ensuring compatibility with the predetermined volume of inactivation liquid needed for safe transport and analysis, and often result in overfilling that can compromise diagnostic testing.
Innovation Solution
A container system with a tubular portion and surrounding chamber that allows for controlled sample collection, featuring a sloping bottom and optional one-way valve to manage sample volume, along with a connecting channel and adapter for secure transfer to analysis containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a liquid sample is received in an open cup, then the sample can be easily accessed for testing, but the liquid is exposed to contaminants and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane that covers the open cup, creating a physical barrier between the liquid sample and the external environment. This membrane allows the sample to remain accessible for testing while preventing contaminant ingress, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and protection from harmful factors.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a closed container is used to protect the liquid sample, then contaminant exposure is reduced, but the sample becomes difficult to access for testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a dynamic sealing mechanism where the membrane can be moved from a closed position (providing protection) to an open position (allowing access). This dynamic configuration enables the system to switch between protecting the sample and allowing testing operations, resolving the contradiction between contaminant protection and ease of operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a complex sealing mechanism is implemented to prevent contaminant exposure, then sample protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from a complex mechanical system and implements it through a simple, elastic membrane that relies on its inherent material properties rather than complex mechanisms. This extraction of the essential sealing function reduces device complexity while maintaining effective contaminant protection.
4Ease of operation
If the container is designed to be easily disassembled for sample removal, then ease of operation is improved, but structural integrity and sealing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the container into modular components that can be easily assembled and disassembled, while the membrane provides continuous sealing across the interfaces. This segmentation allows for easy sample removal and reassembly while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the flexible barrier.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a container system for receiving a liquid sample, the system comprising a receptacle including a substantially tubular portion for receiving a predetermined volume of the sample, the substantially tubular portion having a first open end and an at least partially openable second end; and a chamber at least partially surrounding the substantially tubular portion, the chamber having an at least partially open upper portion and a closed bottom.