Sample Collector Wedge Structure to Reduce Test Sample Splashing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable point-of-care testing devices face issues with liquid sample splashing during the sampling 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 at the connecting portion, which facilitates easy insertion into a test kit, reduces squeezing force, and minimizes sample splashing by guiding clamping hooks to open outward, ensuring complete sample delivery to the test strip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a sampling stick is used to squeeze liquid sample into collection bottle, then sample can be collected, but the sampling stick may fall out and contaminate environment
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling stick is nested within the sample collector, which is then inserted into the test kit. The sampling stick cannot fall out independently as it is contained within the sample collector structure, eliminating the contamination risk while maintaining sample collection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample collector acts as an intermediary device between the sampling stick and the test kit. It provides a controlled environment for sample transfer, preventing direct contact between the sampling stick and the external environment, thus avoiding contamination.
2Productivity
If larger squeezing force is applied to sampling stick, then sample can be squeezed out, but liquid sample may splash out of sample addition region
Solution Approach 1:
The sample collector is designed with a structure that cushions and distributes the squeezing force uniformly across the sample matrix. The wedge-shaped connecting portion and clamping hooks provide gradual compression rather than sudden force, preventing sample splashing while ensuring complete sample delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample collector uses a flexible squeezing plate that can deform uniformly under applied force, distributing the pressure evenly across the sampling head. This flexible structure prevents localized high-pressure points that would cause sample splashing, while still achieving effective sample delivery.
3Ease of operation
If sampling stick route is made larger to reach sample pad, then sampling is easier, but larger impact is caused to squeezed liquid sample
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling stick is extracted from the traditional long-route design and replaced with a compact sampling head that delivers sample directly to the test strip through the sample addition hole. This eliminates the long transmission path that would amplify impact forces on the liquid sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample delivery path is changed from a horizontal long-route design to a vertical direct-insertion design. The sampling head is inserted vertically into the test kit and delivers sample directly downward to the sample pad, shortening the path and reducing impact forces while maintaining ease of operation.
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 prevents liquid sample splashing, maintains sufficient sample volume, and reduces the risk of contamination, ensuring reliable and safe testing.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting portion of the sample collector comprises a wedge-shaped structure wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, the wedge-shaped structure being located at the point where the sample collector is in fastening fit with the buckle
Data Source
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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.