One-Handed Sampling Sponge Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface swabbing sponges for pathogen detection in the food industry are cumbersome, require multiple hands to operate, and have design flaws that increase the risk of contamination and cost, such as residual broken plastic and complex manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A sampling device with a handle and a releasably mounted sponge, featuring a one-handed release mechanism and a sterile sampling bag design that allows for easy insertion and sealing of the sponge, eliminating the need for broken plastic and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the sponge is permanently heat welded to the handle, then the sponge is securely retained during swabbing, but the device requires two hands to operate the release mechanism and leaves broken plastic in the sampling bag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesponge retention strengthVSAvoidone-handed operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle incorporates a flexible section that allows the rigid section with gripping members to move relative to the sponge, enabling one-handed release by flexing the handle to disengage the gripping members from the sponge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handle is divided into a rigid section with gripping members and a flexible section, allowing the rigid section to be positioned for one-handed operation while the flexible section absorbs the mechanical stress of release

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If a rigid plastic component is used to retain the sponge, then the sponge is securely held in place, but the device becomes cumbersome and increases the risk of puncturing the sampling bag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesponge retention strengthVSAvoidrisk of sampling bag puncture

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The handle incorporates a flexible section made of elastomeric material that replaces rigid plastic components, providing sufficient flexibility to prevent bag puncture while maintaining sponge retention through the gripping members on the rigid section

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex two-component handle assembly is used, then the sponge can be releasably mounted, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereleasable mounting capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The handle combines the rigid section with gripping members and the flexible section into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate molded parts and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9925647B2Device for holding a sampling sponge

Publication Date: 2018.03.27 LABPLAS

AI summary

A device for swabbing a surface and collecting a substance therefrom comprises a handle and a sponge releasably mounted to the handle. The handle includes at least one gripping member adapted to engage the sponge and retain the sponge mounted to the handle in a first position of the gripping member, the gripping member being adapted upon pressure exerted on an actuator to move the gripping member to a sponge-release position thereof for releasing the sponge from the handle. Typically, there are provided two opposed gripping members, wherein the pressure is exerted by a user's fingers on each gripping member and towards one another. The gripping members are actuated to the sponge-release position without requiring that the user substantially moves his/her hand and fingers longitudinally along the handle.