Swab-Cap Vial Transfer for Contamination-Safe Analyzer Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems are ineffective in automating the transfer of fluid samples from input vials with sample collection swabs coupled to the cap to output vials suitable for processing in automated analyzers due to space constraints and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a processing station with movable holders and a capper/decapper to separate and transfer fluid samples while managing swabs, using a pipettor to access the vial contents and a drip shield to mitigate contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sample collection swab is coupled to the cap of an input vial, then the swab can be easily removed from the vial by separating the cap from the container, but the system becomes unsuitable for automated analyzer processing due to space constraints and contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample collection process into two separate components: the input vial with swab for collection and the output vial for analyzer processing. The swab remains coupled to the cap during transfer, but the vial contents are separated into a new container suitable for automated analysis, resolving the conflict between easy swab removal and analyzer compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary transfer process where the swab-coupled cap acts as a mediator to transfer sample material from the input vial to an output vial. This intermediary mechanism allows the swab to maintain its coupling function while enabling the sample to be processed in a compatible container format for automated analyzers.
2Ease of operation
If the cap is removed from the input vial to access the fluid sample, then the sample can be transferred to the output vial, but the swab extends from the removed cap creating contamination risks and space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sample material from the input vial using the swab while the cap remains attached to the swab. The sample is then transferred to a new output vial, effectively removing the contamination risk associated with the extended swab from the analyzer processing area while maintaining easy sample access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a disposable swab-cap assembly that is transferred with the sample material. After use, the entire assembly is discarded, eliminating contamination risks from reusable components. This disposable approach resolves the contamination issue while maintaining operational ease.
3Ease of operation
If the swab stem is made longer than the vial height to facilitate sample collection, then the swab can reach the bottom of the vial, but the removed cap requires more space for separation and creates tighter space constraints in automated analyzers
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sample collection function (performed by the long swab in the input vial) from the processing function (output vial). The long swab stem is contained within the input vial during collection, but the output vial receives only the necessary sample material, eliminating the need for long swab stems in the analyzer processing area and reducing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the space constraint by transitioning from a three-dimensional swab extension problem to a two-dimensional transfer problem. The swab operates in the input vial dimension for collection, but the sample transfer to the output vial occurs in a separate dimensional space, allowing the analyzer to process samples without accommodating long swab stems.
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
Facilitates efficient and controlled transfer of fluid samples from input vials to output vials, addressing space and contamination issues, enabling seamless integration with automated analyzers.
Implementation Method 1
The cap is penetrable by a pointed object, such as a pipette tip, so that the fluid contents of the container can be accessed by the analyzer and withdrawn from the container
Implementation Method 2
a cap (156) threadably attached to a threaded neck (153) of the vessel (152)
Implementation Method 3
A sample collection swab (158) comprises a stem (157) with a collection head (159) (e.g., spun fiber) at one end of the stem (157)
Implementation Method 4
The vessel (152) contains a fluid (154) for eluting sample material from the head (159)
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and corresponding methods transfer liquid sample from a first container having a cap with a sample collection swab coupled thereto to a second container having a cap without such sample collection swap coupled thereto. Other systems and corresponding methods remove a cap having no sample collection swab coupled thereto from a first container and remove a cap having a sample collection swab coupled thereto from a second container containing a liquid sample. The cap with the sample collection swab coupled thereto is then secured to the first container and the cap having no sample collection swap coupled thereto is then secured to the second container.