Sampling Tube Conical Bottom for Low Volume Dead Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blood collection tubes with rounded bottoms face challenges in automated sampling due to residual sample volume, leading to inadequate analysis in low volume samples, and existing solutions like conical or false bottom tubes are not compatible with standard equipment, requiring manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
Designing sampling tubes with a conical section or changing diameter section at the bottom end, including multiple sub-sections, to minimize dead volume while maintaining compatibility with standard automated systems, allowing for efficient funneling of low volume samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional tubes with rounded bottom ends are used, then the tubes are compatible with standard equipment, but the dead volume is significant (0.5 mL or more) making sample retrieval inadequate for low volume samples
Solution Approach 1:
The tube incorporates a conical section specifically at the bottom end while maintaining a cylindrical upper section. This localized geometric modification reduces dead volume in the critical bottom region without altering the overall tube dimensions that ensure compatibility with standard automated sampling equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube is divided into distinct geometric sections: a cylindrical upper section for standard compatibility and a conical lower section for reduced dead volume. This segmentation allows each section to fulfill its specific function while the combination resolves the technical contradiction.
2Quantity of substance
If tubes with conical bottom ends are used, then the dead volume is reduced, but the tubes are not compatible with standard equipment of automated sampling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The conical geometry is applied only to the bottom portion of the tube, while the upper portion maintains the standard cylindrical shape with dimensions compatible with automated sampling equipment. This localized application allows the tube to achieve reduced dead volume without sacrificing equipment compatibility.
3Quantity of substance
If tubes with false bottom are used, then the dead volume is reduced, but the tubes are not compatible with standard equipment due to flat or planar bottom end design
Solution Approach 1:
The conical section is positioned at the bottom end of the tube to reduce dead volume, while the upper section maintains standard dimensions and geometry for equipment compatibility. This localized modification resolves the contradiction between dead volume reduction and equipment adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling tube for sampling processes, such as but not limited to automated sampling processes, includes a sample cavity with a changing diameter section proximate to a bottom end of the sampling tube to minimize dead sample volume. In some cases, the changing diameter section of the sample cavity has a plurality of sub-sections including at least one sub-section with a decreasing diameter and at least one sub-section with a constant diameter. An outer surface of the sampling tube may include one or more recessed portions defined in the outer surface proximate to the bottom end of the sampling tube.