Skin Sampling Guide Channel for Non-Invasive Compound Elution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current skin surface sampling methods are inadequate as they lack control over the sampling region, are invasive, and cannot representatively sample a wide range of compounds, especially in frail, young, or elderly individuals, and are limited to volatile substances.
Innovation Solution
A skin surface sampling device with a sampling head and guide channel that facilitates the washing of liquid over the skin surface, ensuring even distribution and collection of compounds, using a system with a supply and recovery tube housed in a hand-holdable tubular sleeve, and employing a gentle positive pressure to propel liquid for sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sweat collection methods are used to sample skin surface compounds, then sampling can be performed, but control over the sampling region is lost and invasive procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the skin surface into specific sampling zones using the guide channel structure that directs liquid flow along predetermined paths, enabling controlled sampling of specific regions without invasive procedures
Solution Approach 2:
A liquid intermediary is introduced to facilitate non-invasive sampling by washing compounds from the skin surface through the guide channel, replacing direct invasive collection methods
2Quantity of substance
If thermal stress or intense exercise is applied to induce sweating for sampling, then sweat can be collected, but the sampling becomes uns representative of normal sweating mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The device prepares the sampling conditions in advance by applying liquid through the guide channel to wash compounds from the skin surface under normal conditions, eliminating the need for thermal stress or exercise induction
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical induction method (thermal stress, exercise) is replaced by a chemical/liquid washing mechanism that achieves compound extraction without physiological stress
3Adaptability or versatility
If gas flow methods are used to volatilise and recover substances from skin surface, then volatile compounds can be sampled, but semi-volatile and non-volatile compounds cannot be recovered
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling mechanism changes from gas-phase volatilization to liquid-phase washing, enabling recovery of semi-volatile and non-volatile compounds that cannot be entrained in gas flow
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from pneumatic (gas flow) to hydraulic (liquid flow) principles, using liquid to wash and transport compounds including SVOCs and non-volatiles that gas flow cannot recover
4Quantity of substance
If liquid is applied to wash skin surface compounds, then comprehensive sampling is achieved, but liquid may collect excessively in static areas instead of travelling across skin
Solution Approach 1:
The guide channel incorporates curved and serpentine paths that direct liquid flow across the skin surface, preventing pooling in static areas and ensuring uniform sampling distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The guide channel structure itself provides the flow direction control, with its geometry automatically guiding liquid from entry to exit ports without external intervention
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 rapid, non-invasive sampling of a wide range of compounds, including VOCs and SVOCs, from all body areas, allowing for consistent chemical mapping and analysis, with minimal discomfort and representative sampling across different body parts.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid entry port and the liquid exit port are connected via a guide channel which is adapted to guide liquid from the liquid entry port, along the surface of the skin for the elution of materials on the skin surface, and then to the liquid exit port for recovery
Implementation Method 2
Desirably a seal is created when the sampling head is lightly pressed onto the skin surface, so that liquid leakage is minimised
Implementation Method 3
a gentle positive pressure is used to propel liquid out from the liquid source, through the skin surface sampling device, and back to the liquid collection vessel
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a skin surface sampling device in which a supply tube and a recovery tube are housed in an elongated hand-holdable tubular sleeve, the sleeve having upper and lower ends positioned along a longitudinal axis and the lower end being provided with a sampling head; in which: the supply tube is adapted to convey liquid from a liquid source to the sampling head; the recovery tube is adapted to convey liquid from the sampling head to a liquid collection vessel; the sampling head has a planar surface adapted for application to the surface of the skin to form a contact therewith during sampling; the planar surface has a liquid entry port adapted for liquid communication with the supply tube and a liquid exit port adapted for liquid communication with the recovery tube; and characterised in that: the liquid entry port and the liquid exit port are connected via a guide channel which is adapted to guide liquid from the liquid entry port, along the surface of the skin for the elution of materials on the skin surface, and then to the liquid exit port for recovery. The device can be used in a rapid and non-invasive system of skin surface sampling, enabling the sampling of a wide range of compounds (including but not limited to VOCs and SVOCs) from the surface of the skin, and which can be used over all areas of the body.