Spring-Loaded Swab Compression for Sample Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample collection systems require manual compression of absorbent swabs during analysis, which can compromise sample integrity, increase costs, and risk contamination due to handling complexities.
Innovation Solution
A sample collection system featuring a vial and collection stick where the absorbent head is compressed against the vial's closed end to express the sample into a buffer solution, providing audible and tactile indications for complete insertion, allowing for easy detachment and reduced stick handling, ensuring proper mixing and minimizing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the swab is not sufficiently compressed in the vial by the technician to express the sample from the swab, then the sample extraction is incomplete, but the integrity of the analysis is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service sample extraction through the pre-configured compression mechanism. When the collection stick is inserted into the vial, the spring automatically compresses the swab against the vial wall, expressing the sample into the buffer solution without requiring technician intervention or manual compression actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded and positioned to automatically compress the swab upon insertion of the collection stick. This preliminary action ensures that the sample is expressed into the buffer solution before any handling or transportation occurs, eliminating the need for later manual compression steps.
2Productivity
If the technician manually extracts the sample from the swab, then the extraction can be performed, but the cost and complexity of the analysis process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs sample extraction automatically through the spring-loaded compression mechanism integrated into the vial. The swab is compressed against the vial wall upon insertion, automatically expressing the sample into the buffer solution without requiring technician intervention, manual compression, or complex extraction procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the collection stick insertion action with the sample extraction function. The same insertion motion that places the swab into the vial also triggers the spring mechanism to compress the swab and express the sample, combining two operations into one simple action.
3Ease of operation
If the collection stick is handled extensively during the process, then the sample can be collected and extracted, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs sample extraction through the spring mechanism upon insertion, eliminating the need for technicians to manually handle or manipulate the collection stick after insertion. The sample is expressed automatically into the buffer solution, reducing handling steps and contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample extraction is performed preliminarily during the insertion phase itself. The spring mechanism compresses the swab and expresses the sample into the buffer solution before the collection stick is removed or further handled, minimizing the window of opportunity for contamination.
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
Simplifies the sample collection and extraction process, reduces contamination risks, and enhances the reliability and efficiency of the analytical process by allowing sample extraction at the collection site and easy removal at the analysis site.
Implementation Method 1
The absorbent head portion is configured to absorb and retain the fluid sample within the absorbent head portion
Implementation Method 2
The absorbent head portion is configured to absorb and retain the fluid sample within the absorbent head portion
Implementation Method 3
the absorbent head portion is compressed against the closed end of the vial to express the fluid sample from the absorbent head portion
Implementation Method 4
mix with a buffer solution within the vial if the buffer solution is present within the vial
Implementation Method 5
assures proper mixing of a fluid sample and buffer solution within a vial
Data Source
AI summary
A sample collection system includes a vial and a collection stick. The collection stick includes an elongated handle portion and an absorbent head portion detachably connected to the handle portion. The absorbent head portion is configured to absorb and retain the fluid sample therein prior to insertion of the collection stick within the vial. During the sample collection process, the collection stick is inserted into the vial to express the fluid sample from the absorbent head portion into the vial. The absorbent head portion is retained within the vial in a generally compressed state with the handle portion being detached and removed from the vial.