Specimen Collector Lid With Detachable Handle And Sealed Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen test devices face challenges such as contamination, waste generation, user tampering, and the need for skilled technicians for preliminary screening tests, which affect the efficiency and reliability of specimen testing.
Innovation Solution
A specimen test device with a multipurpose lid featuring a detachable handle and aperture for inserting a testing cartridge, which includes a collector stick and a frangible barrier to prevent premature testing, allowing for easy handling and reduced waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device is made disposable to prevent contamination, then reliability is improved, but waste generation increases and environmental stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two segments: a disposable vessel/lid assembly and a reusable handle. The handle is separated from the single-use container components, allowing the handle to be reused across multiple testing instances while the vessel and lid are discarded after one use to prevent contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention recovers and reuses the handle component while discarding the vessel and lid after single use. This selective discarding and recovering approach reduces overall waste compared to complete disposability while maintaining the reliability benefits of single-use containers.
2Loss of substance
If the device size is reduced to reduce waste, then loss of substance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into a small disposable vessel/lid and a separate reusable handle, the invention achieves waste reduction through minimal material usage in the disposable components while maintaining ease of operation through the reusable handle that can be comfortably manipulated by users.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the test can be initiated at any time after collection, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is pre-configured with a sealed aperture and frangible barrier that prevents cartridge insertion until the proper moment. The aperture is sealed during storage and transport, and can only be opened when the test is ready to be initiated, preventing premature or tampered testing while maintaining flexibility in timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible barrier acts as an intermediary sealing mechanism between the aperture and the external environment. It maintains the sealed state during storage and transport, then can be easily breached when the test is initiated, providing a reliable barrier against tampering while allowing timely test initiation.
4Ease of operation
If the device is designed for simple operation by less skilled technicians, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-servicing through its automated sequencing mechanisms. The cartridge insertion through the sealed aperture automatically initiates the test sequence, and the system self-regulates the testing process without requiring skilled technical intervention, thereby maintaining both simplicity and precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A specimen collection, storage, transport, and testing device can include a vessel carrying a liquid reagent. A lid sealing the vessel can include a solid specimen collection stick projecting from an inside surface of the lid. Further, the lid can include a port on its outside surface. The port can be releasably engaged by a hand-manipulable handle facilitating specimen collection and attachment of the lid to the vessel. The port can further include an openably sealed aperture for accommodating the insertion of a test strip-carrying cartridge. The reusability of the handle and its reduced material structure helps avoid waste.