Sample Receiving Device with Piercable Barrier and Cutting Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample receiving devices are costly, complex, and not suitable for high-throughput analysis or automation, often requiring multiple parts and precise manufacturing, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A sample receiving device with a simplified design featuring a lid with a reservoir and a pierceable membrane, combined with a funnel having cutting ribs for releasing the substance without twisting, and a tensioning means to maintain membrane tension during cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multiple-part container system with pivoting partition and friction-fit disk is used, then the container can effectively separate and combine substances, but the manufacturing cost increases and manufacturing precision requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lid and base into a single integrated container structure, eliminating the need for separate pivoting partitions and friction-fit components. The substance release mechanism is integrated directly into the lid structure through a breakable seal, combining multiple functions into one piece that reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective substance separation and combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex pivoting partition mechanism and friction-fit disk system, replacing them with a simpler breakable seal integrated into the lid. This extraction of unnecessary complexity reduces the number of parts and manufacturing precision requirements while preserving the core functionality of substance separation and release.
2Reliability
If a container system requiring proper alignment and twisting action is used, then the substance can be released, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The breakable seal is pre-positioned and pre-configured in the lid structure, ready to break automatically when the lid is placed on the base. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex alignment and twisting actions during operation, as the substance release mechanism is already prepared to function upon simple lid placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The breakable seal automatically breaks and releases the substance through the force of lid placement itself, without requiring additional user actions like twisting or aligning. The system uses the natural motion of closing the container to trigger the substance release, making the operation simple and self-activating.
3Reliability
If a container system with multiple components is used, then substance storage and release is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lid, base, and substance release mechanism into an integrated container structure with fewer discrete parts. The breakable seal is incorporated directly into the lid rather than being a separate component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable substance storage and release functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes unnecessary intermediate components such as pivoting partitions and separate disk mechanisms, extracting only the essential functionality of substance separation and release. This simplification reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant parts while preserving the core capability of controlled substance release.
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 is less expensive and easier to manufacture, with fewer precise manufacturing requirements, and provides a secure, efficient method for releasing substances into samples, facilitating safe and effective sample collection.
Implementation Method 1
wherein said funnel comprises one or more cutting ribs for cutting said pierceable barrier without a twisting action during closure of the lid
Implementation Method 2
a tensioning means for maintaining tension on said pierceable membrane during cutting of said membrane
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to a sample receiving device for releasably storing a substance. The sample receiving device includes a lid having a reservoir for retaining the substance, and a pierceable barrier sealing the substance within the reservoir; and b) a funnel for receiving a sample and configured for closure by the lid. The funnel is configured for releasable attachment to a sample receptacle such that a sample can be provided to the funnel and travel through the channel in the funnel into the sample receptacle. Further, the funnel includes one or more cutting ribs for cutting the pierceable barrier such that upon cutting of the pierceable barrier the substance is released from the reservoir, flows through the channel in the funnel and into the sample receptacle to be mixed with the sample. The present invention also provides a kit for collecting and storing biomolecules.