Segmented Plunger for Fluid Sample Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample collection systems face challenges in ensuring proper extraction and mixing of fluid samples with buffer solutions for analysis, often resulting in compromised integrity, increased costs, and contamination risks due to inadequate compression and handling of absorbent swabs.
Innovation Solution
A sample collection system comprising a vial, a plunger with a detachable handle and head portion, and a splash guard, where the absorbent is compressed against the vial's closed end to express the sample into the buffer solution, minimizing loss and contamination, and allowing the plunger head to remain in the vial for secure transport and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a technician manually compresses the swab against the vial bottom to extract the sample, then the sample can be expressed from the absorbent material, but the process increases complexity, cost, and contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The collection stick is divided into two separate components: the swab (absorbent head) and the handle. This segmentation allows the swab to be inserted into the vial independently, eliminating the need for the technician to handle and compress the entire collection stick assembly, thereby simplifying the extraction process while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The swab is designed to be self-expressing through its structural configuration. When inserted into the vial, the swab's own weight and structural design enable it to automatically express the sample into the buffer solution without requiring external compression force from a technician, thus reducing operational complexity
2Reliability
If the swab is not sufficiently compressed to express the sample, then the analysis integrity may be compromised, but adequate compression requires additional handling steps
Solution Approach 1:
The swab structure is engineered to automatically express the sample through its own weight and internal configuration. The absorbent material and rod assembly are designed so that gravitational force and structural geometry work together to push the sample out into the buffer solution, ensuring reliable sample expression without requiring external compression that could compromise analysis integrity
3Reliability
If the collection stick is handled extensively during sample extraction, then the sample may be contaminated, but proper extraction requires handling the collection stick
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the swab from the handle, the system allows the swab to be inserted into the vial as a standalone component. This eliminates the need for technicians to grip and manipulate the entire collection stick assembly during extraction, minimizing handling steps and reducing the risk of sample contamination while maintaining effective sample expression capability
Solution Approach 2:
The swab is extracted as a separate functional unit from the handle portion. This extraction allows the swab to be inserted and manipulated independently within the vial, removing the handle from the contamination risk equation entirely while preserving the sample expression function
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
This system simplifies the extraction process, ensures proper mixing of samples with buffer solutions, reduces sample loss and contamination, and enhances the reliability of fluid sample analysis by maintaining the absorbent in a compressed state within the vial for transport.
Implementation Method 1
The absorbent head portion is configured to absorb and retain the fluid sample within the absorbent head portion prior to insertion of the collection stick within the vial
Implementation Method 2
a plunger configured to compress the absorbent against the closed end of the vial so that the sample is expressed from the absorbent and mixed with a buffer solution within the vial
Implementation Method 3
the sample is expressed from the absorbent and mixed with a buffer solution within the vial
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sample collection system includes a vial, a plunger and a fluid sample collection device having an absorbent for absorbing and retaining a fluid sample therein. The plunger includes an elongated handle portion and a plunger head portion detachably connected to the handle portion. The plunger also includes a splash guard supported on the handle portion. During the sample collection process, the saturated absorbent from the sample collection device is placed into the vial and the plunger is then advanced toward a closed end of the vial to express the fluid sample from the absorbent. The plunger head portion is retained within the vial with the absorbent in a generally compressed state and the handle portion is detached and removed from the vial.