Sample Management Module With Overflow Reservoir

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing point-of-care diagnostic systems face challenges in efficiently collecting and managing fluid samples, particularly in preventing excess sample leakage, contaminant interference, and ensuring proper sample volume for accurate analysis.

Innovation Solution

A sample management module with a sample collection device, decoupling zone, and overflow reservoir, equipped with a vent to manage pressure and prevent sample leakage, along with a pad of porous material to filter out contaminants and indicate sufficient sample collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple collection device is used, then ease of operation is improved, but sample leakage and contamination cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidsample containment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The collection device is divided into functionally independent zones: a collection zone for receiving samples, a decoupling zone for separating excess sample, and an overflow reservoir for containing overflow. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function effectively, preventing sample leakage while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The decoupling zone acts as an intermediary between the collection zone and the analysis system. It receives sample from the collection zone and selectively allows only the required volume to pass through to the analysis zone, while retaining excess sample in the overflow reservoir. This intermediary structure prevents both leakage and contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If no pressure management is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but sample leakage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsample containment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The overflow reservoir is designed to automatically manage pressure and contain excess sample without requiring external intervention or complex pressure regulation mechanisms. The decoupling zone naturally separates sample based on volume, and the overflow reservoir passively contains any excess, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for active pressure management components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If contaminants are not filtered, then manufacturing precision is improved, but analysis accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoidanalysis accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The overflow reservoir performs preliminary action by containing and isolating excess sample and contaminants before the sample reaches the analysis zone. By decoupling the collection function from the analysis function and using the overflow reservoir to trap excess material, the system ensures that only clean, appropriate-volume sample enters the analysis zone, thereby protecting analysis accuracy without requiring complex filtration manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 effectively prevents sample leakage and contaminant interference, ensuring accurate analysis by managing pressure and filtering out unwanted particles, while also providing a user-friendly interface for unskilled operators.

Implementation Method 1

The overflow reservoir may be configured to ensure pressure within the module can be managed via the provision of a vent. The vent manages the pressure within the module by enabling the egress of air as the sample enters the module and displaces it.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure management:

Implementation Method 2

The vent may be a simple opening, the size of which is selected to be sufficiently small that surface tension of the fluid sample prevents the fluid sample from flowing into the vent.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 3

In some embodiments, the vent may comprise a permeable filter. This enables the vent to be sufficiently large that surface tension would not be sufficient to prevent the fluid sample from entering the vent, but the permeability of the filter keeps the sample in the module whilst allowing air to exit the module.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeability: Permeation

Implementation Method 4

an overflow reservoir in fluid communication with the decoupling zone to accommodate any sample that does not fit into the decoupling zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid communication:

Data Source

PatentUS12290809B2Sample management module

Publication Date: 2025.05.06 PANACEA DIAGNOSTICS LTD

AI summary

A sample management module for collecting a fluid sample is provided. The module comprising; a sample collection device comprising a sample collection location; a decoupling zone configured to receive sample from the collection device, an overflow reservoir in fluid communication with the decoupling zone to accommodate any sample that does not fit into the decoupling zone; wherein the overflow reservoir is configured to ensure pressure within the module can be managed. A cartridge comprising a sample management module is also provided.