Segmented Blood Collection Device for Self-Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood collection devices are either complex and costly, making them unsuitable for self-collection and postal shipping, or require a third hand for use, limiting user independence.
Innovation Solution
A compact, simple blood collection device with a de-assembleable base element that allows self-support and easy assembly, enabling self-collection with only two hands, and can be shipped via lettermail post due to its compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a blood collection device is designed for self-collection by a user, then user independence is improved, but device complexity increases and shipping cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components: a base element, a collection container, and a finger portion. These components can be assembled by the user from individually packaged parts, reducing the complexity of each individual component while maintaining overall functionality for self-collection
Solution Approach 2:
The collection container is designed to nest within the base element, and the finger portion integrates with these components. This nesting arrangement allows the complete device to be compact when assembled, enabling letterbox posting while maintaining all necessary functions for user-independent operation
2Ease of operation
If a blood collection device is designed for self-collection by a user, then user independence is improved, but shipping cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into separate components that can be shipped individually and assembled by the user, the overall package size is reduced. This allows the device to be shipped via cost-effective letterbox post rather than requiring more expensive parcel delivery services
Solution Approach 2:
The nested design of the collection container within the base element creates a compact final assembly that fits through letterboxes. This eliminates the need for bulky packaging and reduces shipping costs while maintaining all necessary components for self-collection
3Quantity of substance
If a blood collection device is made compact for letterbox posting, then shipping cost is reduced, but device stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base element is designed as a separate stable platform that provides structural support when the device is assembled. This segmented design allows the base to be optimized for stability while the entire device remains compact enough for letterbox posting when components are nested together
Solution Approach 2:
The nesting arrangement positions the collection container and finger portion within or on the stable base element, creating a compact overall footprint for shipping while maintaining structural stability during use. The base serves as the stable foundation in both the compact shipped state and the assembled operational state
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 cost-effective, user-independent blood collection with minimal shipping costs and ease of use, as the device is self-supporting and requires no additional hands for operation.
Implementation Method 1
a capillary tube which, in an assembled state, defines a fluid channel between the blood collection hole and the collection container
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A blood collection device for the self-collection of a blood sample by a user, wherein, - a base element has a width of more than 32 mm and including an upstanding wall which defines a receive opening, the upstanding wall having a height of less than 32 mm; - a collection container is configured for placement in said receive opening in a substantially upright orientation; - the finger portion comprising a blood collection hole that provides a fluid channel between the collection container and the finger portion; wherein at least the base element is a separate part, configured to be shipped in a de-assembled state with respect to the other parts of the blood collection device, wherein the blood collection device is configured to be assembled by a user after receiving said blood collection device.