Self-Sealing Through Hole for Liquid Specimen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid specimen detection devices are cumbersome and pose a risk of contamination for operators, as they require manual handling and insertion of detecting elements, making them less accessible and less accurate for non-professionals.
Innovation Solution
A detection device featuring a self-sealing or opening through hole between the specimen and detecting chambers, controlled by external forces or material properties, allowing for controlled liquid communication and minimizing operator exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling and insertion of detecting elements is used, then detection capability is achieved, but operator contamination risk increases and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate chambers: a specimen collection chamber and a detection chamber. The detecting element is contained within the detection chamber, isolated from direct contact with the specimen by the user. A through-hole connection allows liquid specimen to pass from the collection chamber to the detection chamber while maintaining physical separation between the user's hands and the detecting elements, thus eliminating contamination risk while preserving detection capability.
2Reliability
If manual handling and insertion of detecting elements is used, then detection capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the specimen collection function and the detection function into a single integrated unit. The collection chamber and detection chamber are connected via a through-hole, allowing the specimen to automatically flow to the detecting element without manual intervention. This integration eliminates the need for separate handling of detecting elements, simplifying the operation to just adding specimen to the collection chamber while maintaining full detection capability.
3Ease of operation
If through hole is always open for liquid communication, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The through-hole connection between the collection chamber and detection chamber is designed to be dynamically controllable. It can be opened to allow liquid specimen to flow from the collection chamber to the detection chamber for detection, and closed to prevent contamination or unauthorized access to the detecting element. This dynamic control enables the system to switch between operational modes (detection mode vs. protected mode) while maintaining ease of use through simple opening/closing actions.
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
The device simplifies operation, reduces contamination risk, and provides accurate results by ensuring controlled liquid flow and contact with detecting elements, making it user-friendly for both professionals and non-experts.
Implementation Method 1
the through hole can be made on a flexible material, as a small slot that is cut on the flexible material by a knife. Without any external force, the small slot would be in sealed or closed status due to the self-shrinking ability because of the inherent property of the material. In this case the liquid specimen in the specimen chamber could not get into the detecting chamber through the small slot. However, when the shape of the flexible material changes due to, for example, actions of external force, or the property of the material changes when, for example, the outside environment changes, the small slot is opened and the liquid specimen in the specimen chamber could get into the detecting chamber via the small slot
Data Source
AI summary
A detection device for detecting analytes in liquid specimen is provided. The detection device comprises: a specimen chamber for collecting or storing a liquid specimen; a detecting chamber for containing a detecting element; and a through hole for transferring the liquid specimen between the specimen chamber and the detecting chamber. The through hole can be opened or self-sealed. The sealing or opening of the through hole controls whether or not the liquid specimen in the specimen chamber enters the detecting chamber via the through hole. Furthermore, a detection method is provided.