Splittable Fluid Sample Collector Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fluid sampling methods require multiple samples for diagnostic testing, increasing cost, time, and inconvenience, especially when using saliva or other body fluids, as they necessitate repeated use of sampling devices.

Innovation Solution

A splittable fluid sample collector that allows a single fluid sample to be collected and divided into multiple portions using detachable absorbent pads, enabling efficient reuse of the same device for multiple tests without needing additional samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single absorbent sample pad is used to collect a fluid sample, then the collection process is simple and cost-effective, but the sample cannot be split for multiple tests requiring multiple sampling devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample splitting capabilityVSAvoidcollector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent sample pad is divided into multiple detachable portions (first portion and second portion) that can be separated after sample collection. This segmentation allows a single collected sample to be split into multiple portions for different tests, resolving the contradiction between sample versatility and collection simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sample pad transitions from a static single-piece structure to a dynamic multi-portion structure that can change configuration. The portions are initially connected during collection but can be detached and separated afterward, providing adaptability for multiple uses while maintaining structural simplicity during the collection phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If multiple fluid samples are collected using multiple sampling devices, then sufficient samples for multiple tests are obtained, but the cost, time, and inconvenience increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of sample portionsVSAvoidsampling time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sample pad is pre-divided into multiple detachable portions that remain connected during collection. This preliminary segmentation allows the entire sample to be collected in a single action, and then conveniently divided into multiple portions later, eliminating the need for multiple collection actions and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple sample portions are combined into a single absorbent pad structure for collection, then can be separated for individual use. This merging approach allows one collection event to produce multiple usable sample portions, increasing quantity while reducing the time and effort normally required for multiple separate collections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Quantity of substance

If multiple sampling devices are used to obtain sufficient samples for repeated testing, then adequate samples are available, but the cost and inconvenience of sampling increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of sample portionsVSAvoidsampling cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The single absorbent sample pad is segmented into multiple detachable portions, allowing one inexpensive sampling device to produce multiple sample portions for repeated testing. This eliminates the need to manufacture and distribute multiple expensive sampling devices, reducing overall sampling costs while maintaining adequate sample quantity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single sampling device with multi-portion sample pad serves multiple testing functions that would otherwise require multiple dedicated devices. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of devices needed, lowering manufacturing, distribution, and disposal costs while providing sufficient samples for repeated tests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the need for multiple fluid samples, thereby decreasing costs and inconvenience while maintaining the ease of saliva testing by allowing a single device to collect and split samples for repeated diagnostic testing.

Implementation Method 1

a splittable fluid sample collector (16) for a fluid sampling apparatus which collects and stores a fluid sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

Each fluid collector portion (16a, 16b) comprises an absorbent sample pad (18a, 18b) absorbed with a portion of the fluid sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP3165173B1Splittable fluid sample collector

Publication Date: 2022.01.26 BODNER MOISHE

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AI summary

A splittable fluid sample collector for dividing a fluid sample into two or more portions, includes at least first and second fluid collector portions detachably connected to one another, each of the fluid collector portions including a handle and an absorbent sample pad affixed to an end of the handle. Further, a fluid sampling apparatus includes the aforementioned splittable fluid sample collector, at least one container and a closure for the container. Still further, a method for splitting a fluid sample including providing the aforementioned splittable fluid sample collector, collecting a fluid sample with the absorbent sample pads of the splittable fluid sample collector and splitting the first and second fluid collector portions of the splittable fluid sample collector from one another.