Sample Collection Device with Self-Activating Reagent Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample collection devices for bodily fluids are often complex, require additional manipulation, and pose safety risks due to exposed sharp objects and toxic preservatives, lacking efficient mechanisms for reagent release and sample preservation.
Innovation Solution
A sample collection device with a cap and tube configuration where the cap includes a chamber with a reagent that mixes with the sample upon closure, featuring movable cap portions that ensure safe and efficient reagent release without exposing the donor to toxic substances, and designed for easy use with minimal parts and no need for additional manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current sample collection devices are used, then sample collection can be performed, but the devices are complex and require additional manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a cap portion containing the reagent chamber and a tube portion for sample collection. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall operation - the user simply deposits sample in the tube and closes it with the cap, eliminating the need for complex manipulation steps
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a self-activating mechanism where the act of closing the cap with the tube automatically triggers the reagent release through mechanical interaction between corresponding surfaces. This self-service feature eliminates the need for additional user manipulation beyond simple cap closure, making the device easier to use while reducing complexity
2Reliability
If current sample collection devices are used, then sample collection can be performed, but exposed sharp objects and toxic preservatives pose safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The toxic preservative reagent is extracted from the sample collection chamber and placed in a separate sealed chamber within the cap. This physical separation ensures that donors are never exposed to toxic substances during sample deposition, while the reagent remains contained until automatically released into the sample after closure, thereby improving safety without compromising preservation function
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with the reagent already sealed in the cap chamber before use. The mechanical coupling between cap and tube surfaces is designed to automatically breach the reagent chamber seal upon closure. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for donors to handle sharp objects or toxic substances, as all hazardous elements are pre-enclosed and activated automatically
3Reliability
If a mechanism for reagent release is added, then effective preservation can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent release mechanism is merged with the cap closure action itself. The mechanical interaction between the cap and tube closing surfaces simultaneously performs two functions: sealing the sample and triggering reagent release. This merging eliminates the need for separate release mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while ensuring effective preservation through automatic reagent delivery
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 provides safer and easier sample collection with improved safety for donors and users, ensuring effective preservation of cells and cellular components for analysis, maintaining antigenicity and epigenome integrity for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
the chamber holding the reagent may be opened to release the reagent and allow it to mix with the donor specimen
Implementation Method 2
release the reagent and allow it to mix with the donor specimen
Implementation Method 3
The cap includes a closed chamber holding a reagent for acting on the collected sample... ensuring effective preservation of cells and cellular components for analysis, maintaining antigenicity and epigenome integrity for extended periods
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
Some embodiments are directed to a bodily fluid sample collection device for the collection of naturally expressed bodily fluids and include a cap engageable with a tube to close a mouth of the tube. The cap includes a chamber for containing a reagent. The tube defines at least partly a sample collection space for receiving the naturally expressed bodily fluid. The cap comprises first and second cap portions relatively movable with respect to each other. The first and second cap portions are configured such that, responsive to engagement of the cap on the tube, one of the cap portions is caused to move integrally relative to the other cap portion to open the chamber and permit fluid communication between the chamber and the sample collection space. The reagent in the chamber is thereby permitted to mix with the bodily fluid in the sample collection space. A method of organizing and processing samples is also described.