Sample Collection Apparatus with Controlled Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample collection devices often result in residual sample dripping during uncoupling from specimen jars, leading to contamination of the environment and operator, and the practice of breaking off the tip to prevent dripping introduces additional contamination risks and interference with subsequent sample retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A sample collection apparatus with a cap and device that can be configured to couple and release, utilizing a coupling mechanism such as threaded portions or a socket, and a displacement mechanism like a mechanical actuator or cutaway portion to securely attach and detach the device from the cap, minimizing sample loss and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sample collection device is integrated to the cap and uncoupled from the specimen jar, then the sample can be transferred to the specimen jar, but residual sample may drip from the sample collection device during uncoupling, causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The sample collection device is divided into two separate components: the sample collection device itself and the cap. This segmentation allows the sample collection device to be detached from the cap after sample transfer, enabling the collection device to be disposed of while the cap remains on the specimen jar, thereby preventing contamination during uncoupling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The sample collection device is extracted from the integrated cap assembly after sample transfer. By removing the sample collection device from the cap, the system eliminates the source of potential contamination while maintaining the cap's function of sealing the specimen jar
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tip of the sample collection device is broken off to prevent dripping, then sample dripping is reduced, but the broken tip remains in the specimen jar interfering with subsequent sample retrieval and increasing contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of breaking off the tip of the sample collection device, the entire sample collection device is extracted from the specimen jar after sample transfer. This complete removal eliminates both the dripping problem and the interference with subsequent sample retrieval operations
Solution Approach 2:
The sample collection device is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for complex mechanisms to prevent dripping or retrieve broken tips, as the entire device is simply disposed of after transferring the sample
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sample collection device is manually broken off from the cap, then sample dripping is prevented, but the breaking process increases contamination risk through splashing
Solution Approach 1:
The sample collection device is extracted from the cap in a controlled manner after sample transfer, avoiding any breaking or snapping actions that could cause splashing. The separation is designed to occur cleanly, eliminating both dripping and splashing contamination risks
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates features that prevent sample dripping and splashing before the uncoupling action occurs. By preparing the sample collection device and cap interface appropriately, the system prevents harmful effects from occurring during the separation process
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a sample collection apparatus for collection of biological samples, such as fecal material. The sample collection apparatus includes at least one coupling mechanism to couple a sample collection device to a cap, and includes at least one release mechanism to release at least a part of the sample collection device from the cap. The sample collection device in a first configuration is coupled to the cap and in a second configuration is displaced from the cap.