Segmented Blood Collection Device with Capillary Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional blood sample collection methods require high volumes, making non-venous draws less favorable due to insufficient blood volume for conventional testing and patient apprehension, and add complexity in separating samples for different processing.

Innovation Solution

A device with multiple sample collection channels and containers that allows for simultaneous or sequential fluid collection and separation of small bodily fluid samples, using different motive forces to transfer samples into containers without mixing, and incorporating anti-coagulants to prevent clogging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If non-venous puncture is used to extract blood sample, then patient discomfort is reduced, but blood volume obtained is insufficient for conventional testing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient discomfortVSAvoidblood volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the collected blood sample into multiple separate containers (e.g., container for coagulated blood, container for liquid blood) using separate capillary channels. This segmentation allows sufficient sample volume to be obtained from non-venous draws while maintaining adequate volume in each container for different testing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If conventional sample collection is used, then sufficient blood volume is obtained, but sample separation into different containers becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood volumeVSAvoidsample separation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collection device itself is segmented into multiple capillary channels that automatically direct different portions of the blood sample to different containers based on sample properties (e.g., coagulated vs. liquid), eliminating the need for complex external separation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses the blood sample's own properties (coagulation state, density) to automatically separate it into appropriate containers without requiring external intervention or complex separation equipment. The sample essentially separates itself through the designed capillary channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-venous draw is used, then patient compliance is improved, but collection time increases and channels may clog

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient complianceVSAvoidcollection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

An anti-coagulant barrier is pre-applied to the capillary channels before blood collection. This preliminary action prevents blood from adhering to and clogging the channels during the longer collection time required for non-venous draws, ensuring smooth and rapid sample flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple containers are used for different processing, then sample versatility is improved, but risk of mixing between samples increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample processing versatilityVSAvoidsample separation integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device provides physically separate capillary channels for different sample types (coagulated blood, liquid blood), ensuring that samples destined for different processing methods are collected and transported separately, eliminating the risk of mixing between containers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 accurate collection and separation of small blood samples from non-venous draws, reducing patient discomfort and simplifying the collection process by ensuring sufficient sample volume and preventing premature clogging.

Implementation Method 1

one of the sample collection channels has an interior coating designed to mix with the fluid sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMixing:

Implementation Method 2

a first portion having at least two sample collection channels configured to draw the fluid sample into the sample collection channels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

the containers provide a second motive force different from the first motive force to move a majority of the bodily fluid sample from the channels into the containers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotive force:

Data Source

PatentEP3116464B1Devices for bodily fluid sample collection
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 LABRADOR DIAGNOSTICS LLC
  • EP3116464B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3116464B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3116464B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Bodily fluid sample collection systems, devices, and method are provided. The device may comprise a first portion comprising at least a sample collection channel configured to draw the fluid sample into the sample collection channel via a first type of motive force. The sample collection device may include a second portion comprising a sample container for receiving the bodily fluid sample collected in the sample collection channel, the sample container operably engagable to be in fluid communication with the collection channel, whereupon when fluid communication is established, the container provides a second motive force different from the first motive force to move a majority of the bodily fluid sample from the channel into the container.