Sample Pin Tube With Reversible Closure For Controlled Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for collecting, diluting, and discharging fecal samples face challenges with sample consistency, as they struggle to handle both very liquid and very solid states, and the discharge process is difficult to control, leading to contamination risks and inability to reuse the tubes for further testing.
Innovation Solution
A tube design with a hollow container featuring locking mechanisms for the sample pin, a guide for precise sample handling, and a discharge device that ensures controlled sample transfer, preventing accidental opening and retraction, thus maintaining hygiene and allowing for safe storage and reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a breakable closure is used for discharging the diluted sample, then the discharge port can be opened, but the tube cannot be closed again and accidental discharge may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The closure transitions from a static breakable state to a dynamic reversible state. The closure can be opened by pulling to discharge the sample, then closed again by pushing, allowing multiple operations while maintaining reliability through controlled mechanical movement rather than irreversible breaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure is designed as a separate movable component distinct from the tube body, allowing independent opening and closing actions. This segmentation enables the closure to be pulled open for discharge and pushed closed for storage, resolving the contradiction between ease of discharge and closure reliability.
2Productivity
If pressure is applied to the tube to discharge the diluted sample, then the sample can be discharged, but accidental discharge may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is pulled open in advance to prepare for discharge, and the tube cap is removed beforehand. This preliminary opening of the discharge path eliminates the need for pressure application during actual discharge, preventing accidental discharge while maintaining efficient sample ejection through gravity and capillary action.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pipette is used to transfer the diluted sample for further processing, then the sample can be transferred, but contamination risk increases and the process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The collection pin and discharge function are merged into a single integrated system. The same collection pin that collects the sample also serves as the discharge mechanism, eliminating the need for separate pipettes or transfer devices. This reduces device complexity and contamination risk while maintaining adaptability for further processing.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2g
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a tube for mixing, diluting and preserving a sample, comprising a hollow first container for receiving and storing a solution, the first container having first and second ends, wherein at least the first end has a through-hole, and a transport-pin located in the through-hole of the first end having a shape closely matching to the through-hole, the transport-pin comprising a recess with a predetermined size, the recess is suitable to be filled by a sample, wherein the transport-pin is movable between an initial position in which the recess is positioned at least partially on the outer side of the first container, and an end position in which the recess is positioned at least partially on the inner side of the first container. The invention also relates to a discharge device for controlling discharge of the diluted sample via a discharge port, this device having a discharge-opening for discharging the diluted sample and a second fitting element, that cooperates with a first fitting element to mount the discharge device on the first container, wherein at least a portion of the discharge device is moveable between at least two positions. The invention further relates to a sample pin in combination with the said tube.