Sample Preparation Lid With Integrated Vials for Viable Pathogen Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current rapid assay analyzers for pathogen detection in food preparation facilities lack an enrichment step, leading to unreliable results due to the potential for high false positives and delayed reporting, as they do not test for microorganism viability and require prolonged incubation periods.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained sample preparation and analysis laboratory system with a sample preparation lid that integrates sample preparation vials and channels, enabling automated fluid transfer and enrichment processes, including bacterial lysis and PCR assays, to ensure microorganism viability and reliable detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional culturing methods are used for pathogen detection, then detection reliability is improved, but detection time increases to 24-72 hours or longer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary enrichment and culturing actions automatically before the rapid assay, preparing the sample in advance to ensure sufficient viable pathogen load is present for reliable rapid detection, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If rapid assay analyzers are used without enrichment, then detection time is reduced to minutes or hours, but detection reliability deteriorates due to high false positives from non-viable microorganisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection timeVSAvoiddetection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs enrichment and culturing before rapid assay to ensure sufficient viable pathogen load is present, preventing false positives from non-viable microorganisms while maintaining rapid detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sample preparation lid performs enrichment and culturing functions automatically as part of the integrated system, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring reliable rapid detection without requiring separate enrichment steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If rapid assay analyzers are used for pathogen detection, then detection speed is improved, but the system complexity increases due to need for integration of enrichment and incubation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges enrichment, culturing, and rapid assay functions into a single integrated sample preparation lid that attaches to standard culture tubes, eliminating the need for separate incubation equipment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high detection speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sample preparation lid is designed to perform multiple functions (enrichment, culturing, and rapid assay preparation) within a single device that attaches to standard culture tubes, making the system universally applicable without requiring specialized equipment for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If manual enrichment and culturing steps are performed, then detection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional manual intervention required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sample preparation lid performs enrichment and culturing functions automatically without requiring manual intervention, maintaining detection reliability while significantly improving ease of operation by eliminating complex manual steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system provides rapid and reliable pathogen detection by ensuring microorganism viability and reproducible results, reducing false positives and enabling timely reporting.

Implementation Method 1

channels may interconnect two sample preparation vials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid transfer through integrated channels:

Implementation Method 2

allowing for simultaneous bacterial culturing, lysis, and PCR analysis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBacterial culturing:

Implementation Method 3

allowing for simultaneous bacterial culturing, lysis, and PCR analysis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPCR amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS12618861B2Sample preparation and test lid for automated analysis of biological and chemical samples

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 SPECTACULAR LABS

AI summary

A sample preparation lid, comprising a lid body, a first sample preparation vial that extends over the lid body and a second sample preparation vial that extends over the lid body. A first conduit extends between the first sample preparation vial and the second sample preparation vial. The first conduit opens into the first sample preparation vial and into the second sample preparation vial. A second conduit extends through the lid body. The second conduit opens into the first sample preparation vial.