Sampling Apparatus with Segmented Tip for Rapid Food Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sampling food and meat in retail and manufacturing environments are slow, cumbersome, prone to mix-ups, and cross-contamination, requiring significant user training and skill, and are not cost-effective or minimally invasive.
Innovation Solution
A sampling apparatus with a tubular stem and a distal tip featuring axially-extending teeth and a central spike that penetrates the material, allowing for easy and quick extraction of a standardized sample volume with minimal impact on the product, using a 'push-twist-pull' mechanism and a receptacle for sample storage and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sampling methods using knives, scalpels, weigh-scales, bags and jars are used, then samples can be obtained, but the process is slow, cumbersome, and involves inevitable risk of mix-ups and cross-contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device is divided into distinct functional segments: a cutting element for incising the product, a sampling element for extracting material, and a sealed receptacle for containment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling rapid sampling while maintaining sample integrity through dedicated containment features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sealed receptacle as an intermediary container that receives and contains the sampled material directly during the sampling process. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for separate transfer steps to bags or jars, preventing cross-contamination and mix-ups while reducing overall sampling time.
2Ease of operation
If traditional sampling methods are used, then samples can be obtained, but significant user training and skill are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sampling operations (cutting, extracting, and containing) into a single integrated device that performs all functions in one action. This merging of functions simplifies the sampling procedure to basic operations that require minimal training, while the device itself handles the complexity of coordinated movements and sample containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling device is designed to perform complex functions automatically through its integrated structure. The cutting element, sampling element, and sealed receptacle work together autonomously when the device is inserted and activated, eliminating the need for users to manually coordinate multiple separate operations or possess advanced sampling skills.
3Productivity
If traditional sampling methods using knives, scalpels, and multiple containers are used, then samples can be collected, but the process is cumbersome and involves multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device is designed as a multi-functional tool that performs cutting, sampling, and containment within a single integrated structure. This universal design allows one device to replace multiple separate tools (knives, scalpels, bags, jars), increasing sampling speed while the modular yet integrated construction keeps manufacturing complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the sampling element is positioned within the cutting element, and both are contained within or connected to the sealed receptacle. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional components to be housed within a compact form factor, increasing sampling productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity or size.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(f)
AI summary
A sampling apparatus (1) has a tubular stem (2) at the distal end of which are four axially- extending teeth (5) forming a distal tip. There is a recess (10) within the tip, within which there is an axial spike (6). There are two rectangular openings (7) in the wall of the stem at the recess (10). The apparatus (1) is moved to approach a bulk material (M) until the distal tip, including the spike (6) penetrates the material. The guide pushes some sample material across the recess towards the openings (7). There may be a rotating action to assist separation of a plug or sample from the bulk material. Upon withdrawal, the sample may then be inserted into a receptacle for analysis, preferably with being brought into contact with a lysis buffer or other liquid reagent.