Sampling Device Guide Component Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the healthcare industry, there is a need for sampling devices that safely and effectively dispense fluid samples while preventing contamination and exposure to pathogens, and that are cost-effective to manufacture at scale, with existing devices often using sharp equipment and being costly due to single-use standards.
Innovation Solution
The development of a sampling device with a cannula and guide component featuring a Luer connector system, allowing for secure connections with syringes and filter caps, which includes a textured grip area and a design that minimizes exposure to sharp edges, and can be manufactured using injection molding for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cannula with sharp distal end is used to pierce the bottle cap, then the sampling function is effective, but the risk of injury and exposure to pathogens increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the sharp piercing function (distal end of cannula) from the handling function (proximal end with guide component and flange). The guide component acts as an intermediary structure that allows the user to handle the device without exposing fingers to the sharp distal end, thus segmenting the harmful and useful functions spatially.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide component serves as an intermediary between the user's hand and the sharp cannula. It provides a safe interface for handling while the cannula performs its piercing function, mediating the interaction between the user and the potentially harmful sharp element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standardized Luer connectors are integrated into the sampling device, then compatibility with syringes and filter caps improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Luer connector integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides standardized connection compatibility with syringes and filter caps, maintains structural support for the cannula, and enables secure fluid-tight connections. This universal design allows the same structure to serve connection, support, and sealing functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If injection molding is used for manufacturing, then production cost decreases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple components (cannula, guide component, flange, Luer connector) into a single integrated structure manufactured in one injection molding process. This merging eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps, reducing overall production cost while the single-process approach manages precision requirements more effectively than multi-step manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling device is disclosed. The sampling device includes a cannula and a guide component coupled to the cannula. The cannula includes a top portion and a bottom portion. Moreover, the cannula includes an inner diameter. The bottom portion includes a distal end that is configured to pierce or puncture a cap of a bottle. The guide component includes a lateral portion and a vertical portion. The lateral portion extends radially out from the cannula and the vertical portion is coupled to an outer edge of the lateral portion. The vertical portion extends down from the lateral portion substantially parallel to the cannula and beyond the distal end of the bottom portion.