Sample Collector Wedge Structure to Prevent Test Kit Splashing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing point-of-care testing devices face issues with liquid samples splashing during the sample addition process, leading to potential contamination and insufficient sample volume, which can result in failed tests and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A test device with a sample collector featuring a wedge-shaped structure and clamping hooks that minimizes the squeezing force required, ensuring complete sample delivery to the test strip while preventing splashing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sampling stick is used to squeeze liquid sample into the test kit, then sample addition can be performed, but the liquid sample may splash out of the sample addition region and onto the operator's body
Solution Approach 1:
A receiving chamber is introduced as an intermediary structure between the sampling stick and the test strip. The receiving chamber has a bottom opening that faces downward toward the sample addition hole, creating a containment space that intercepts liquid sample before it can splash outward. This intermediary structure absorbs and redirects the sample flow, preventing direct contact with the operator while maintaining ease of operation.
2Productivity
If the sampling stick exerts large squeezing force, then sample delivery is improved, but the sampling stick may cause the liquid sample to spill or splash out of the sample addition region
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving chamber converts the potentially harmful splashing effect of strong squeezing force into a beneficial containment mechanism. The downward-facing bottom opening of the receiving chamber is specifically designed to receive and redirect the force of the squeezed sample, transforming what would be splashing outward into a controlled flow toward the test strip. This converts the harmful spilling effect into an advantageous sample delivery mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the sample addition hole is blocked by the sampling stick, then sample addition can be performed, but the liquid sample cannot be delivered to the test strip in time and accumulates in the sample addition region
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving chamber introduces a new spatial dimension for sample accumulation. Instead of blocking the sample addition hole directly (one-dimensional obstruction), the receiving chamber provides a three-dimensional containment space with a downward-opening bottom. This dimensional change allows the sample to accumulate vertically within the chamber while maintaining horizontal flow paths toward the test strip, preventing both blocking and accumulation issues simultaneously.
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 effectively reduces sample splashing, ensures sufficient sample volume, and prevents environmental contamination, enhancing test reliability and operator safety.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting portion of the sample collector comprises a wedge-shaped structure wide at the top and narrow at the bottom
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a test device, including a sample collector (200) and a test kit (300), the test kit (300) uses to store a test strip (100). The sample collector (200) includes a sampling head (203), a handle (201) and a connecting portion (202) between the sampling head (203) and the handle (201); and the test kit (300) includes a sample addition hole (3) and a buckle (10). When the sample collector (200) is placed into the test kit (300), the connecting portion (202) of the sample collector (200) is fastened to the buckle (10) of the test kit (300), and the connecting portion (202) of the sample collector (200) includes a wedge-shaped structure (202a) wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, the wedge-shaped structure (202a) being located at the point (202) where the sample collector (200) is in fastening fit with the buckle (10). By using the wedge-shaped structure (202a) of the connecting portion (202) of the sample collector (200) of the present invention, it is easier for the connecting portion (202a) to pass through the buckle (10) of the test kit (300), thereby reducing the squeezing force applied to the sample collector (200), and then reducing the impact of the sample collector (200) on the squeezed liquid sample, thereby effectively reducing the splashing of the liquid sample and avoiding contaminating the operator and the environment by the splashed sample.