Saliva Collection Swab with Extrusion Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drug testing methods, particularly those using urine samples, face challenges such as complexity, user discomfort, adulteration issues, and inefficiencies in sample collection and storage, which hinder accurate and convenient detection of illegal drug use.

Innovation Solution

A saliva collection and detection apparatus featuring a fluid sample collection element with an absorbing element and a gripping portion, integrated with a testing element carrier and extrusion structure, allowing for efficient sample collection and retention within a chamber for subsequent testing, utilizing a flexible sealing sheet to prevent flooding and ensure accurate results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If urine sample collection is used for drug testing, then sample collection is straightforward, but the method causes user discomfort, complexity in procedure, and risk of adulteration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample collection convenienceVSAvoiduser discomfort and adulteration risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable saliva collection swab that is discarded after single use, eliminating cross-contamination and adulteration risks while simplifying the collection process. The swab is designed for single-use only, ensuring sample integrity and user comfort without requiring complex cleaning or sterilization procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces saliva as an intermediary fluid sample instead of directly using urine. This mediator approach allows drug detection while avoiding the discomfort and privacy issues associated with urine collection, particularly in public or roadside testing scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If saliva collection apparatus uses absorption portion with squeezing mechanism, then sample can be extracted, but insufficient squeezing results in inadequate samples while excessive squeezing causes flooding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample volumeVSAvoidsample extraction control

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic squeezing mechanism where the collection tube can be compressed to different degrees. The flexible tube design allows operators to apply variable pressure to extract the appropriate amount of saliva sample, preventing both insufficient sampling and excessive flooding into the testing well.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and volume control parameters by using a flexible, compressible tube design. This allows dynamic adjustment of the squeezing force and duration to optimize sample extraction volume, ensuring adequate sample delivery without overfilling the testing area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If complex sample collection and testing apparatus are used, then detection accuracy can be improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the collection tube serves both as the sampling container and the testing platform. The testing well, reagent area, and sample extraction zone are merged into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate collection and testing apparatus while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The collection tube is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the sample collection vessel and the testing substrate. The same tube that collects saliva also contains the testing well and reagents, allowing the device to perform multiple functions (collection, storage, and testing) without requiring additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 apparatus enables quick, accurate, and convenient detection of analytes in saliva samples with reduced production costs, preventing flooding and ensuring reliable results, even in challenging collection environments.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid sample collection element that comprises an absorbing element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

an extrusion structure for extruding the absorbing element... the extrusion structure cooperates with the absorbing element to compress the absorbing element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11754560B2Apparatus for collecting and detecting an analyte in a fluid sample

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 HEALGEN SCI LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides an apparatus for detecting an analyte in a fluid sample, comprising a fluid sample collection element, comprising a fluid sample collection element that comprises an absorbing element; a carrier for accommodating a testing element; and a chamber for accommodating a testing element carrier, wherein the testing element carrier is located in the chamber, and the carrier further comprises an extrusion structure that is in contact with the absorbing element and extrudes the absorbing element.