Integrated Specimen Device with Frangible Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological specimen testing methods require multiple instruments and containers, increasing the risk of contamination and complexity, particularly in the processes of sample collection, shipping, and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained device that integrates specimen collection, transportation, and analysis, where manipulation of the cap of a shipping vessel triggers the analysis process without opening the vessel or contacting its contents, using a mechanism with a pin to break frangible barriers and allow solution flow into a testing chamber containing immunoassay strips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate containers and instruments are used for specimen collection, shipping, and analysis, then each function can be performed with specialized equipment, but the complexity of the procedure increases and the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate containers and instruments into a single integrated device. The specimen collection tube, shipping container, and analysis chamber are merged into one unit, eliminating the need to transfer specimens between multiple containers. This reduces contamination risk while maintaining specialized functions for each stage of the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions within a single structure. The same device is used for specimen collection, secure shipping, and laboratory analysis, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment for each function. This multi-functionality reduces both contamination risk and procedural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the shipping container is opened to access the specimen collector for analysis, then the specimen can be accessed for testing, but the risk of contamination increases and the handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct sealed compartments: the specimen collection tube, the shipping container, and the analysis chamber. These segments remain separate and sealed during transport, allowing the specimen to be accessed for analysis without opening the outer shipping container, thus preventing contamination while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the breakable barrier and fluid transfer system) that allows specimen analysis without direct access to the specimen collector. The solution can be transferred to the analysis chamber through a sealed barrier, enabling testing without opening or directly handling the specimen container.
3Productivity
If direct contact with the specimen collector is required for analysis, then the analysis process can be initiated, but the complexity of handling multiple containers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with all necessary components in place before shipping. The analysis chamber, reagents, and fluid transfer mechanisms are prepared in advance within the sealed container. When analysis is needed, only a simple cap manipulation is required to initiate the process, eliminating complex handling procedures while maintaining rapid analysis initiation.
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
Simplifies the specimen collection, shipping, and analysis process by reducing contamination risks and eliminating the need to handle multiple containers, enabling laboratory analysis without direct contact with the specimen collector or its contents.
Implementation Method 1
a pin projecting from an under surface section of the cap... means for breaking the frangible barrier upon said manipulation
Implementation Method 2
a means for causing a solution contained in the inner enclosure to partially flow into the outer enclosure upon manipulation of the cap
Implementation Method 3
Bound analytes are then analyzed by accumulation within a chromatographic immunoassay strip
Implementation Method 4
exposed to a mobilized binding member, conjugated to visually detectable label such as colloidal gold, that can bind to an analyte in the specimen
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
A device (11) for collecting, shipping and analyzing a pathological specimen comprises a collector stick (19) projecting from the inside of the stopper (14) of a first tubular vessel (12) containing a solution (16). The bottom (15) of the first vessel (12) has an aperture (30) sealed by a frangible barrier (31). When the first vessel is inserted into a second vessel (22) containing a signaling element (29) and having a pintle (32) projecting inwardly from its bottom (33), the frangible barrier is broken by the pintle and part of the solution flows into the second vessel where it contacts the signaling element. A pin (39) projecting from the inside of a cap (36) for the second vessel punctures the stopper of the first vessel facilitating the flow of solution from the first to the second vessel. The analytical process can be performed in the absence of any contacting or manipulating of the first vessel and specimen collector by simply screwing the cap to its farthest position.