Sealed Sample Collector Plug for In-Tube Processing and Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional collection swabs and tubes lack the ability to process biological samples without opening the collection tube, limiting further analysis and processing of the collected specimen.

Innovation Solution

A sample collector system with a plug and attaching mechanism that allows for removably attaching to a collection tube, featuring a dispensing orifice for controlled liquid dispensing and a delivery orifice for introducing reagents, enabling processing and dispensing without opening the tube.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional collection tubes with waterproof lids are used to store and ship biological samples, then sample stability and transport capability are improved, but the ability to process and dispense samples without opening the tube is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample stabilityVSAvoidprocessing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The plug is segmented into multiple functional components: a sealing portion that contacts the tube opening, a body portion containing reagent reservoirs, and a dispensing mechanism with separate orifices. This segmentation allows the plug to simultaneously provide sealing stability and processing versatility without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plug serves multiple functions: it seals the collection tube to maintain sample stability, stores reagents in integrated reservoirs, dispenses controlled volumes of liquid through cavitated orifices, and allows for both liquid and dry sample formats. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling processing capabilities while maintaining the sealed stable storage environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the collection tube is opened to process the biological sample, then further analysis and processing become possible, but sample contamination and loss of stability occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plug acts as an intermediary device between the sealed tube environment and the external processing environment. It provides controlled access through dispensing orifices and reagent delivery systems, allowing sample processing while maintaining the seal and preventing contamination. The intermediary plug enables analysis capabilities without requiring tube opening that would expose the sample to contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Reagents are pre-loaded into reservoirs within the plug before sample collection. This preliminary action allows for immediate processing of the biological sample upon collection without requiring the tube to be opened for reagent addition, thereby maintaining sample stability and preventing contamination while enabling further analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a break point is included in the swab handle, then the swab can be easily separated from the collection tube, but the structural integrity and reusability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswab separationVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The swab with break point is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after single use. The break point allows easy separation of the swab from the collection tube, and the swab is intended to be discarded rather than reused. This resolves the contradiction by accepting reduced structural integrity for the swab portion while maintaining ease of operation, as the disposable nature eliminates the need for repeated use and cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 further processing and controlled dispensing of biological samples within the collection tube, facilitating molecular or protein-based analysis without opening the tube.

Implementation Method 1

a dispensing orifice for dispensing a controlled volume of liquid from the collection tube, the dispensing orifice extending through the plug and being cavitated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS12498300B2Biological sample collection and dispensing system

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 LIFE SCIENCE STARTUPS LLC

AI summary

A biological sample collection system and dispensing system is described. The biological sample collection system provides for collection and processing of a biological sample (i.e. bodily fluids collected from nose, throat, or other mucosal membrane of an animal or human). The biological sample collection system includes a sample collector and a collection tube. The sample collector provides a structure for sealing the biological sample in the collection tube for further processing without opening the collection tube, and may provide a structure for collecting the biological sample. When the sample collector and collection tube are removably attached the dispensing system is formed. The dispensing system provides for further processing of the biological sample without opening the collection tube (i.e. without un-securing or removing the plug from the collection tube). The dispensing system further provides dispensing of the processed biological sample without opening the collection tube).