Specimen Container Moveable Sleeve Fluid Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current specimen collection and initial processing methods are slow, prone to user error, and require specialized equipment and trained personnel, making them unsuitable for point-of-care settings, especially in low and middle-income countries where accurate and low-cost diagnostic testing is needed.

Innovation Solution

A specimen container with a moveable sleeve that brings the specimen collection region and reservoir into fluid communication, allowing for sealed storage and easy operation, reducing the risk of user error and contamination, and enabling safe and efficient processing of biological specimens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual specimen processing is performed using pipettes and specialized equipment, then processing accuracy can be maintained, but the process becomes slow and requires specially-trained users and specialist consumables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The specimen container is designed to perform mixing and processing functions automatically through the user's natural actions. When the user inserts the cap, the internal mechanism automatically mixes the specimen with buffer and prepares it for testing, eliminating the need for manual pipetting and specialized equipment while maintaining processing accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines multiple functions (specimen collection, buffer storage, mixing, and preparation) into a single integrated container system. The cap contains both the buffer reservoir and mixing mechanism, merging what were previously separate steps and equipment into one unified device that operates automatically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If manual specimen processing is performed with buffers and specialized equipment, then specimen processing can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and requires specialist consumables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecimen processing capabilityVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention integrates the buffer reservoir, mixing mechanism, and specimen collection components into a single cap assembly that fits onto the specimen container. This merging eliminates the need for separate pipettes, buffer bottles, and mixing devices, reducing equipment complexity while maintaining specimen processing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cap serves multiple functions: it seals the specimen container, stores the buffer, mixes the specimen with buffer through automatic agitation, and prepares the specimen for testing. This multi-functionality replaces what were previously multiple specialized devices, reducing the need for specialist consumables

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If manual specimen collection and processing is performed, then specimen handling can be done, but users risk contacting infectious agents and hazardous substances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecimen handling capabilityVSAvoiduser exposure to infectious agents

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sealed cap acts as an intermediary between the user and the specimen/buffer contents. All mixing and processing occurs within the sealed cap system, preventing direct user contact with potentially infectious agents or hazardous buffer substances while still enabling complete specimen handling and preparation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Duration of action of stationary object

If sealed storage is used for extended periods, then specimen stability is maintained, but the device requires a mechanism to selectively bring regions into fluid communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage durationVSAvoidfluid communication mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is pre-assembled with the buffer reservoir sealed during manufacturing, allowing long-term stable storage. The mixing mechanism is pre-positioned within the cap, ready to activate automatically when the cap is inserted onto the specimen container, eliminating the need for complex user-operated fluid communication mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 specimen container provides a simple, cost-effective, and safe method for processing biological specimens, suitable for point-of-care settings, with reduced risk of user error and contamination, enabling accurate and reliable diagnostic testing.

Implementation Method 1

Movement of the sleeve in the direction of the reservoir results in the specimen collection region and reservoir being brought into fluid communication with each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid communication:

Data Source

PatentUS12128412B2Specimen container for specimen pre-processing

Publication Date: 2024.10.29 QUANTUMDX GROUP

AI summary

A specimen container has a vessel having a reservoir and a specimen collection region. The specimen container also has a sleeve located within the vessel and moveable in the direction of the reservoir. Movement of the sleeve in the direction of the reservoir results in the specimen collection region and reservoir being brought into fluid communication with each other.