Sampling Chip Dividing Instrument with Sample Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sampling chip technologies face difficulties in accurately dividing small sample volumes without sample scattering, particularly when handling biological samples, which poses biohazard risks.

Innovation Solution

A sampling chip dividing instrument with a main body block and spaces that allow for precise cutting of the chip at designated slits, accompanied by a surrounding portion to contain any scattered sample, facilitating easy division and minimizing biohazard risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the sampling chip is divided by hand-folding at the slit, then the division operation is simple, but the sample scatters to the outside causing biohazard

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedivision operation simplicityVSAvoidsample scattering and biohazard
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A receiving member is introduced as an intermediary component between the sampling chip and the external environment. This receiving member has a receiving space that contains the sampling chip during division, and a surrounding portion that acts as a barrier to prevent sample scattering. The intermediary structure allows simple hand-folding division while simultaneously containing any scattered sample within the receiving space, thus resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and biohazard prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the cut portion is short in length, then the extraction precision is high, but the cutting off operation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction precisionVSAvoidcutting off ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving member is prepared in advance with a receiving space sized to match the short cut portion. By preliminarily positioning the short cut portion within this pre-designed receiving space, the operator gains better control and leverage during the bending division process. The receiving space acts as a guide and support structure that makes it easier to apply force precisely at the slit location, thus enabling successful division even when the cut portion is very short and would otherwise be difficult to manipulate.

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

Enables efficient and safe division of sampling chips by concentrating stress at the cutting slit, preventing sample scattering and ensuring biohazard containment.

Implementation Method 1

The sampling chip is configured to allow to cut off the cut portions from the sampling chip by bending the sampling chip in a predetermined bending direction at a position of the cutting slit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStress concentration:

Implementation Method 2

a surrounding portion, which is provided outside of the space so as to surround the opening, for receiving a sample scattered from a break portion of the sampling chip divided near the opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP3567360B1Device for dividing sample-capture chip
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 SHIMADZU CORP
  • EP3567360B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3567360B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3A
  • EP3567360B1 patent drawingFigure 3B~4B

AI summary

The sampling chip dividing instrument includes: a main body block; a space that is provided inside the main body block, has an opening leading to an outer surface of the main body block, and fits in and contains the cut portion of the sampling chip through the opening; and an surrounding portion that is provided outside the space at a periphery of the opening, and receives a sample scattered from a break portion of the sampling chip divided near the opening.