Automated Stool Sample Collection Device with Integrated Homogenization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting stool samples are invasive, lead to patient reluctance, and result in low adherence, making it difficult to obtain adequate longitudinal data for microbiome research, which is essential for accurate biomarker identification and therapeutic development due to variability in stool microbiome composition and dynamic responses to interventions.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated stool sample collection device that integrates with a toilet, featuring a catchment unit and homogenization chamber, which collects and processes samples with minimal patient interaction, ensuring contamination prevention and self-cleaning, allowing for efficient longitudinal sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual stool sample collection methods are used, then patient involvement is required, but patient reluctance increases and adherence decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device is designed to automatically collect stool samples without requiring patient involvement in the actual sampling process. The catchment unit is positioned within the toilet bowl to passively receive samples, and the system automatically transports and processes them, eliminating the need for patients to directly handle or report their stool samples, thereby significantly improving adherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical collection processes with an automated system that uses electronic controls, automated transport mechanisms, and integrated processing chambers. The device automatically retrieves samples from the catchment unit, transports them to the homogenization chamber, and initiates processing without human intervention, thereby simplifying the patient experience while maintaining collection reliability.
2Extent of automation
If automated collection device is implemented, then patient adherence increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single unified device: the catchment unit for sample reception, the automated transport mechanism, the homogenization chamber for sample processing, and the data tracking system are merged into one integrated system. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall architecture while maintaining high automation levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection device is designed with multi-functionality to reduce complexity. The homogenization chamber serves both as a transport destination and a processing chamber, the catchment unit acts as both a collection receptacle and a sample trigger sensor, and the system handles multiple sample types and collection scenarios through a single universal platform, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Reliability
If longitudinal sampling is performed, then data quality improves, but collection cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous longitudinal sampling through automated operation. The catchment unit continuously monitors for sample deposition, and upon detection, automatically initiates the collection and processing sequence without interruption. This continuous operation ensures consistent data quality over time while reducing the need for repeated manual interventions, thereby lowering overall costs despite the frequency of sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system efficiently manages sample processing by automatically discarding used homogenizing solutions and collection materials after a single use, and by recovering and reusing components such as the homogenization chamber and transport mechanisms. This approach minimizes material costs while maintaining the ability to perform repeated longitudinal sampling, thereby reducing the per-sample cost and overall program expense.
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 enables robust, reliable longitudinal sampling, increasing patient adherence and providing superior data quality at a lower cost, facilitating the use of stool microbiome as a biomarker and diagnostic tool, and accelerating clinical implementation of microbiome-related therapeutics.
Implementation Method 1
a homogenization chamber in which the stool sample is homogenized in a homogenizing solution
Data Source
AI summary
A stool sample collection device includes a catchment unit positioned within a toilet bowl and configured to receive a stool sample. The stool sample collection device also includes a homogenization chamber in which the stool sample is homogenized in a homogenizing solution. The homogenization chamber is configured to receive the stool sample from the catchment unit.