Squeezable Sample Device Using Porous Wick Capillary Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological sample preparation devices often lead to flooding and contamination due to uncontrolled release of samples, posing safety risks especially for non-clinical users outside traditional lab environments.
Innovation Solution
A squeezable sample preparation device featuring a liquid tube with a tip assembly that includes a filter and a porous wick, allowing for controlled capillary delivery of samples through air vent channels and an air gap, preventing particulate passage and ensuring consistent sample volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dropper device is used to allocate sample drop-by-drop, then the user can control sample delivery, but multiple drops may exit at once causing flooding and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous wick material at the tip of the device that utilizes capillary action to control liquid flow. The porous structure naturally regulates the release of biological samples, preventing uncontrolled dripping and flooding while ensuring consistent, single-drop delivery without requiring manual squeezing control from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the manual mechanical squeezing action with a passive capillary-based delivery system. The porous wick automatically draws liquid through capillary forces, eliminating the need for user intervention and preventing the harmful effect of uncontrolled multiple drops exiting simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If manual squeezing is used to deliver samples, then the device is simple to operate, but inexperienced users may release samples accidentally causing safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The porous wick system is self-regulating and automatically controls sample delivery through capillary action. Once the liquid reservoir is filled, the wick autonomously manages the release rate, preventing accidental overflow or uncontrolled delivery even when users lack experience or apply excessive pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device design anticipates potential user errors by incorporating a porous wick that inherently limits flow rate. This passive flow control acts as a safety buffer that prevents harmful effects before they occur, ensuring reliable and safe sample delivery regardless of user skill level.
3Productivity
If samples are released without filtration, then the delivery process is faster, but particulates may pass through causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The porous wick serves dual functions: it filters particulates from the biological sample through its porous structure while simultaneously controlling liquid flow via capillary action. This integration maintains rapid sample delivery speed while effectively removing contaminants, eliminating the need for separate filtration components.
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 device ensures controlled and safe delivery of biological samples, reducing contamination risks and improving usability for inexperienced users by preventing flooding and ensuring consistent sample volume and quality.
Implementation Method 1
a porous wick, allowing for controlled capillary delivery of samples
Implementation Method 2
a filter and a porous wick, preventing particulate passage
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved biological sample preparation device and method of using the device. The disclosed device provides improved sample volume control, reduces potential contamination in the working environment, increases ease of use, and improves safety for healthcare workers.