Specimen Collection Cap With Sealed Cutting and Collector Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen collection devices are susceptible to contamination and result in insufficient sample extraction due to the use of scissors or other cutting tools that may not be properly sterilized, and the handling of specimen collectors can lead to contamination and reduced collection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle lid system with an inner cap, outer cap, and cutting mechanism that minimizes contamination risk by using a sealed cutting mechanism and pressure differential to extend specimen collectors, enhancing collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If scissors or other cutting devices are used to cut the specimen collector, then the specimen collector can be cut to fit the container, but contamination risk increases because the cutting devices may not be properly sanitized or may become contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting mechanism is extracted from external cutting devices (scissors, scalpels) and integrated directly into the receptacle lid system. This allows the cutting action to occur within a controlled, sterile environment inside the receptacle, eliminating the need for external cutting tools that may be contaminated. The cutting mechanism includes a cutting edge that directly contacts and cuts the specimen collector within the sealed receptacle chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle lid serves as an intermediary structure that integrates both the cutting mechanism and the sealing function. Instead of using separate cutting tools and separate containment, the lid acts as a mediator that combines these functions, allowing the specimen collector to be cut and immediately contained within the same sterile environment, thereby preventing contamination during the transition between cutting and containment.
2Volume of moving object
If the specimen collector is kept in a compact state for transport, then storage efficiency improves, but the collection rate decreases when the specimen needs to be extracted
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen collector is designed with dynamic volume characteristics, transitioning from a compact state during transport to an extended state during specimen extraction. The collector can be compressed to a small volume for efficient storage and transport, then expanded within the receptacle to maximize the surface area available for specimen collection. This dynamic transformation allows the same object to optimize for different functional requirements at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The specimen collector is nested within the receptacle structure, allowing it to be contained in a compact form during transport while still enabling full expansion for specimen collection. The receptacle provides a confined space that maintains the collector in a compressed state, but allows controlled expansion when needed, similar to how nested dolls can be compact yet expandable.
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
Reduces contamination risk and increases specimen collection rates by using a sealed cutting mechanism and pressure differential to extend specimen collectors, ensuring more sample is collected efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
when moved from an open position to a closed position, place a section of a specimen collector in an extended state
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a specimen collection system includes a receptacle having a wall, an inner-area defined by the wall, and an opening configured to provide access to the inner-area, an inner cap having an external surface, an interior surface, an aperture through the external and interior surfaces, and a cutting mechanism, the inner cap configured to releasably couple with the receptacle and align the aperture with the opening when coupled to the receptacle, and an outer cap having an internal surface, the outer cap, when in a closed position, configured to cover the external surface and place a section of a specimen collector in an extended state.