Sample Collection Support With Desiccant Drying for Stable Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample storage and transport techniques face challenges such as high cost, contamination risk, instability, and limited portability, particularly for biological samples like blood, sputum, and urine.
Innovation Solution
A sample collection device with a drying agent compartment and a sealing mechanism that uses molecular sieve desiccants to rapidly dry samples, preventing contamination and maintaining portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If samples are stored and transported in liquid or frozen forms using pre-existing techniques, then sample stability is maintained, but cost increases and portability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to solid (ice) during freezing, and the subsequent sublimation or evaporation to achieve dried sample state. The drying agents facilitate this phase transition by absorbing moisture, enabling samples to be transformed from liquid/frozen states requiring complex storage infrastructure to a stable dried state suitable for portable storage and transport at ambient conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If samples are stored and transported in liquid or frozen forms, then analyte stability is maintained, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sealed containers that create a controlled, inert environment for sample storage. By excluding external air and contaminants through hermetic sealing, and incorporating drying agents that maintain low humidity conditions, the system protects samples from contamination while preserving analyte stability during storage and transport.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If rapid drying is achieved using drying agents, then contamination risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drying agents in the patent function autonomously to absorb moisture from samples without requiring external power sources, complex mechanical systems, or active control mechanisms. This self-service approach enables rapid drying that reduces contamination risk while keeping the device structure simple and易于操作.
4Reliability
If samples are dried rapidly, then enzymatic inhibition and oxidation inhibition are achieved, but drying time must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes drying parameters including the selection of appropriate drying agents (such as silica gel, molecular sieves, or calcium sulfate), their quantities, particle sizes, and distribution within the container. These parameter changes enable control over drying rate and final moisture content, achieving sufficient enzymatic and oxidation inhibition within an optimized time frame that balances reliability with efficiency.
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 effectively inhibits enzymatic and oxidative processes, ensuring sample stability and integrity during storage and transport, even under extreme conditions, facilitating field sampling and remote analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The sample collection devices disclosed herein are also typically configured to rapidly dry samples using drying agents, such as molecular sieve desiccants.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are sample collection devices that include a first body structure portion that comprises a drying agent compartment configured to receive a drying agent and a second body structure portion operably connected, or connectable, to the first body structure portion. The second body structure portion includes a sample collection support compartment comprising one or more segments that communicate with the drying agent compartment at least when the first and second body structure portions are operably connected to one another in a closed position. The sample collection support compartment is configured to receive a sample collection support. Related kits, systems, computer readable media, and methods are also provided.