Nasopharyngeal Swab Graduated Scale for Depth Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The reliability of COVID-19 screening and testing using nasopharyngeal swabs is compromised due to sub-optimal training of personnel and variability in anatomical conformation, leading to inadequate sample collection and potential false negatives.

Innovation Solution

A device with a graduated scale for precise measurement of the insertion depth, based on the distance between the ear and the nostril, to ensure correct placement of the collection element in the nasopharynx.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the nasopharyngeal swab is introduced excessively deep into the nasal cavity, then the sample collection reliability is improved, but patient discomfort and trauma increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample collection reliabilityVSAvoidpatient discomfort and trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the subjective mechanical judgment of insertion depth with an objective visual measurement system. The graduated scale provides precise visual feedback to guide the operator in achieving the correct insertion depth (5-10 cm) without excessive force or depth, thereby reducing patient trauma while maintaining sample collection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the nasopharyngeal swab is introduced insufficiently deep into the nasal cavity, then patient discomfort is reduced, but sample collection reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient discomfortVSAvoidsample collection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The graduated scale transforms the unreliable mechanical sense of depth estimation into a precise visual measurement system. This ensures that the swab reaches the required depth (5-10 cm) in the nasopharynx to collect adequate samples, while providing clear visual guidance to prevent over-insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The graduated scale provides continuous visual feedback during the insertion process, allowing the operator to monitor the insertion depth in real-time and adjust accordingly to reach the optimal collection zone in the nasopharynx without exceeding safe limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If specialized medical personnel perform the swabbing, then sample collection accuracy is improved, but availability and scalability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample collection accuracyVSAvoidscreening scalability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The graduated scale enables the swabbing procedure to be performed correctly by non-specialized personnel through self-guidance. The visual measurement system allows paramedics, pharmacy staff, or even patients to achieve accurate insertion depth (5-10 cm) without requiring extensive specialized training, thereby enabling widespread screening while maintaining sample collection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If non-specialized personnel perform the swabbing, then availability and scalability are improved, but sample collection accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreening scalabilityVSAvoidsample collection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for specialized mechanical skill and anatomical knowledge with a simple visual measurement system. The graduated scale provides intuitive, quantitative guidance that allows non-specialized personnel to achieve consistent and accurate insertion depth (5-10 cm), maintaining sample collection accuracy across different skill levels and enabling large-scale screening programs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250064432A1Device of collection of biological samples, container for this device and method of collection of biological samples

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 COPAN ITAL SPA

AI summary

A container for a device for collecting and transferring samples of biological material, having a main body destined to contain and/or support at least temporarily at least a device for collecting and transferring samples of biological material; and a graduated scale, having a plurality of measurement markings configured to, and destined to, supply an at least visual and/or tactile indication of a measurement of a distance. Said container being configured to allow a measurement of a distance between a first portion and a second portion of the body of a subject, preferably a distance between an ear, in particular the tragus or lobe or opening of the ear canal, and an opening or end of a naris of a subject and/or between an ear, in particular the tragus or lobe or opening of the ear canal, and the philtrum of the subject by said graduated scale.