Specimen Retention Card with Circular Frame for Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for handling liquid samples as solids, using a sponge sheet, is time-and labor-consuming and difficult to automate, requiring manual processes like punching and information identification.
Innovation Solution
A sample retention card with a circular or regular polygonal frame surrounding a porous sheet, where both surfaces of the sheet are exposed, facilitating automation and simplifying sample handling by allowing information to be recorded on both sides of the frame and using a surfactant for virus inactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If liquid samples are handled in liquid form for transportation, then the sample analysis can be conducted at a different location, but the handling during transportation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase transition by converting liquid samples to solid form through freezing. The sponge sheet with liquid sample is frozen to create a solid state that is convenient for transportation while maintaining sample integrity. This resolves the contradiction by allowing samples to be transported in solid form (improving transportation convenience) while still enabling analysis at different locations (maintaining adaptability).
Solution Approach 2:
The sponge sheet acts as an intermediary carrier that absorbs and retains the liquid sample, then allows controlled release during analysis. This intermediary structure enables the sample to be handled in a stable, transportable form while preserving its analytical properties for later use at different locations.
2Ease of operation
If a sponge sheet is used to retain liquid samples in solid form, then transportation convenience is improved, but time-and labor-consuming processes are required for punching and information identification
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode is pre-attached to the sponge sheet before sample collection, and the sample is directly applied to the predetermined area. This preliminary arrangement of information and sample positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming manual identification and punching processes later, directly reducing processing time while maintaining transportation convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sample retention function and information identification function into a single integrated sponge sheet structure. The barcode and sample area are merged into one component, allowing simultaneous handling of both sample and information without separate processing steps, thereby reducing time loss.
3Productivity
If the sponge sheet is used with a punched-out fragment, then sample analysis can be performed, but the process is difficult to automate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the frame surrounding the sponge sheet should have a circular or regular polygonal outer edge. This geometric standardization enables automated recognition and positioning by testing devices, facilitating automation while maintaining efficient sample analysis. The regular shape provides clear geometric features for mechanical and optical systems to identify and process automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The sponge sheet or frame includes a barcode or QR code that can be automatically scanned and read by automated systems. This visual information encoding allows automated identification of sample information without manual intervention, directly increasing the extent of automation while maintaining productivity.
4Ease of manufacture
If information is recorded only on one side of the frame, then the recording process is simple, but the card must be manually oriented for reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the frame has a specific geometric shape (circular or regular polygonal) with defined orientation features. This asymmetric geometric design allows automated systems to automatically orient the card based on its shape, eliminating the need for manual orientation while keeping the recording process simple. The asymmetric geometry provides unique positional references for automatic alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode or QR code is recorded on both sides of the frame, allowing information to be read from either orientation. This dual-sided recording eliminates the need for manual card orientation while maintaining simple recording processes, as the same information is replicated on both surfaces.
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
This design simplifies and automates sample handling, reduces analysis time, and ensures effective virus inactivation, making the process more efficient and readable from either surface.
Implementation Method 1
a sample carrier composed of a porous sheet
Implementation Method 2
the porous sheet contains a surfactant that exhibits a virus inactivation ability
Data Source
AI summary
A sample retention card is disclosed which can simplify processing of samples, identification of subjects' personal information, and the like, and also facilitates automation. The sample retention card includes: a sample carrier composed of a porous sheet and a frame surrounding the periphery of the porous sheet, the frame having an outer edge with a circular or regular polygonal shape. The porous sheet has both surfaces thereof exposed from the frame. The arrangement of the frame improves the handling of the porous sheet and eliminates the need to manually adjust the direction of the card when it is used in a testing device because the outer edge of the frame is circular or regular polygonal. The porous sheet can be punched out with a punch from each surface thereof because both surfaces of the porous sheet are exposed from the frame. This also simplifies the testing and eliminates the need to manually adjust the direction of the card when it is used in the testing device. Furthermore, this facilitates the automation.