Biological Sample Container with Segmented Drying Compartment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample containers for biological materials face issues with sample preservation, as decomposition begins immediately after collection, and the use of desiccants can lead to contamination during sample processing, especially when large quantities are stored over time.
Innovation Solution
A sample container with a penetrable lid and separate drying compartment containing a hygroscopic substance, allowing for vapor exchange while preventing the substance from mixing with the sample during automated removal, ensuring effective drying and preservation without contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hygroscopic substance is contained in the sample container for drying sample material, then the sample material can be preserved and stabilized, but the sample material can mix with the desiccant during automated removal, causing disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The sample container is divided into two separate compartments: a sample compartment for holding the biological sample material and a drying compartment for containing the hygroscopic substance. This segmentation prevents direct contact and mixing between the sample and desiccant while maintaining effective drying through vapor exchange across the compartment boundary.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall structure separating the sample compartment and drying compartment acts as an intermediary that allows vapor exchange (moisture transfer) while physically preventing direct contact between the hygroscopic substance and sample material. This mediator enables drying function without contamination risk.
2Productivity
If the sample collection means is inserted deeply into the sample container to obtain samples, then samples can be collected effectively, but the cutting device may contact the hygroscopic substance causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the container into vertically stacked compartments, the sample collection means can extend through the sample compartment to reach the cutting position without contacting the hygroscopic substance in the drying compartment, enabling effective sample collection while preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The compartmentalization creates a vertical dimensional separation where the sample collection means operates in the sample compartment space while the hygroscopic substance resides in the drying compartment space, allowing deep insertion for effective sampling without horizontal or vertical contact with the desiccant.
3Loss of time
If sample material is stored for later processing, then logistical flexibility is improved, but decomposition processes continue causing loss of usable sample material
Solution Approach 1:
The hygroscopic substance in the drying compartment performs preliminary drying action on the sample material immediately after collection, removing moisture that drives decomposition. This preliminary preservation action extends the usable storage time of samples while maintaining their integrity for later processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The natural moisture content in biological samples, which promotes decomposition during storage, is converted into a benefit by using that same moisture as the driving force for vapor exchange. The moisture evaporating from the sample compartment drives the drying process, actively removing the very substance that causes decomposition.
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 solution allows for efficient preservation and processing of biological samples by preventing contamination and ensuring that the sample material remains usable for further analysis, even after storage, by maintaining the integrity of the sample during storage and processing.
Implementation Method 1
The inside of the sample container contains a hygroscopic substance for drying sample material. The hygroscopic substance is in vapor exchange connection with the interior of the sample container and possibly the sample compartment. By vapor exchange connection is meant that the moisture emanating from the sample material can be taken up by the hygroscopic substance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sample container (10, 100, 500, 700) for biological sample material (23, 230), comprising an upper opening (11) that can be closed by a lid (14, 140, 540), a lateral wall region (12) and a base (13) and a hygroscopic substance (19, 190, 590, 790) contained in the interior of the sample container for drying sample material (23, 230) in the sample container, wherein the sample container is partitioned into at least two compartments, of which one is a sample compartment (16, 160, 560), and the other is a drying compartment (18, 180, 580) containing the hygroscopic substance, wherein the hygroscopic substance is connected to the interior of the sample container in a steam exchange connection, and wherein the sample compartment extends from an upper end, particularly equipped with an opening (40, 400), in the longitudinal direction to the opening in a flush manner to the base (13) of the sample container.