Stool Sampling Device Taper Seal Bayonet Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stool sampling devices face issues with reagent leakage during transport, complex handling, and the risk of false measurements due to repeated sampling, which complicates immunochemical testing.

Innovation Solution

A stool sampling device featuring a reagent vessel with a cylindrical intermediate piece and a sample lance, utilizing a snap connection with a taper sealing ring and flanges for secure sealing, preventing reagent leakage and ensuring a defined stool sample volume, while allowing easy handling and minimizing the risk of reagent spillage and odour release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sealing beads and sealing shoulders are dimensioned to widen the flexible access opening under pressure, then sealing tightness is improved, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing tightnessVSAvoidclosure system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable single-use stool sampling device where the entire assembly including the reagent tube, intermediate piece, and sample lance is designed for one-time use. This eliminates the need for complex reusable sealing mechanisms that require meticulous cleaning and reassembly, while maintaining reliable sealing through integrated disposable components with built-in sealing features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the intermediate piece integrates the sealing mechanism with the reagent tube opening, the sample lance combines sampling and sealing functions, and the bayonet coupling merges connection and sealing operations. This merging reduces the number of separate sealing components and simplifies the overall closure system while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If sealing beads and sealing attachments are under pressure to ensure tight sealing, then leakage prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates requiring high application of force and both hands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage preventionVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic bayonet coupling mechanism that allows easy one-handed operation. The coupling features a rotational locking action that secures the sample lance to the intermediate piece with a simple twisting motion, providing firm connection without requiring sustained high force or two-handed operation. The design leverages mechanical advantage through the bayonet geometry to achieve secure attachment with minimal effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a bayonet coupling system is used to prevent leakage during transport, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates requiring precise handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport sealingVSAvoidopening and closing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bayonet coupling system is designed with self-aligning features including guide surfaces and positioning elements that automatically orient the sample lance correctly during insertion. The coupling mechanism includes self-latching characteristics where the rotational engagement automatically locks into the secure position, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment or complex操作步骤. The system guides itself into the correct configuration through its geometric design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively prevents reagent leakage and ensures accurate sampling by providing a secure, odour-proof seal and a defined stool sample volume, reducing the need for repeated sampling and minimizing the risk of false measurements.

Implementation Method 1

creating radial tension between the outer wall of the head part and the inner wall of the intermediate piece and radially sealing the access opening of the reagent vessel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial tension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP3629017B1Pickup-safe stool collection tube
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 IMMUNDIAGNOSTIK AG
  • EP3629017B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3629017B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3629017B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The stool sampling device (10) of the disclosure comprises a reagent vessel (12), an intermediate piece (14) and a sample lance (16), said reagent vessel having at least one flange (34); said intermediate piece (14) having at least one integrally formed fitting guide (44) which cooperates with the at least one flange (34) of the reagent vessel (12), and a bottom plug-in cone (46), characterized in that the intermediate piece (14) has at least one fitting recess (40) and at least one fitting window (42) formed on the cylindrical wall (52, 54) of the intermediate piece (14); and the head part (18) of the sample lance (16) has at least one bottom taper sealing ring (28).