Sputum Trap One-Way Valve for Leakage-Proof Sample Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sputum sample collection and transportation methods are prone to leakage and contamination, leading to delays in microbial testing and inappropriate antibiotic use, with existing containers requiring manual pipetting and posing risks to technicians.
Innovation Solution
A sputum trap with a one-way valve system that integrates with a sample slide, allowing for direct sample transfer without leakage, enabling automated gram staining within 30 minutes and reducing exposure risks for technicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pipetting is used to transfer sputum sample, then sample transfer can be completed, but technician exposure risk increases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful manual pipetting operation from the sample transfer process. The sputum trap is designed with an integrated sample transfer mechanism that automatically delivers the sample to the slide without requiring manual pipetting, thereby eliminating technician exposure risk and reducing transfer time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sputum trap is designed to be self-sufficient with built-in sample transfer capability. The container includes an integrated mechanism that automatically transfers the sample from the trap to the slide, making the system self-serving without requiring external manual intervention.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional sputum trap container is used, then sample collection is possible, but leakage and spillage occur during transport and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The sputum trap is designed as a segmented system with distinct functional zones: a sealed collection chamber, a controlled transfer mechanism, and a delivery interface. This segmentation allows the sample to be contained securely during collection and transport, then transferred controllably to the slide, preventing leakage at each interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates protective features in advance to prevent leakage. The container includes sealed interfaces, secure caps, and controlled transfer mechanisms that are designed beforehand to prevent spillage during transport and handling, cushioning against potential leakage scenarios before they occur.
3Speed
If pneumatic transport system is used to move sputum trap, then sample transport speed increases, but sample spillage in tubing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary sealed interface between the sputum trap and the pneumatic transport system. This intermediary connection includes sealed ports and interfaces that prevent sample spillage while allowing rapid pneumatic transport, mediating between the need for speed and the need for sample integrity.
4Ease of manufacture
If disconnected tubing connections are used in sputum trap, then device assembly is simple, but leakage occurs at connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tubing connection interfaces into an integrated sealed system. The connections are designed as permanent or semi-permanent sealed joints rather than disconnected components, combining the simplicity of assembly with reliable leak-proof connections throughout the device.
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 solution minimizes sample leakage, accelerates microbial test results, and enhances antibiotic prescription accuracy, reducing antibiotic resistance and improving patient outcomes by facilitating timely and targeted treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The container has a body with a top and bottom attached and the bottom has a one way valve to deliver a portion of a sample to a sample slide upon manipulation of the container by a user.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a system having a sputum trap or container that is used to transfer a portion of a sample to a sample slide. The container has a body with a top and bottom. The bottom is adapted to accept the sample slide. The bottom also has a one way valve to allow transfer of a portion of the sample to the sample slide upon manipulation of the body by a user. In certain embodiments, the body may be manipulated by squeezing it or by pushing down on the top. The bottom of the container is adapted to receive the sample slide so that the sample can be transferred to it.