Swallowable Cell Collection Device Bundling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Swallowing the retrieval string of a swallowable cell collection device can be difficult and unpleasant for patients due to triggering the gag reflex, and existing methods require cumbersome manual handling and bundling of the string, leading to tangling and increased procedure time.
Innovation Solution
A packaging apparatus that retains the retrieval string in a swallowable bundle using bundling features such as shafts and dissolvable bands, allowing for easy administration without the need for manual unwrapping or re-bundling, with features like retaining members and scoring for easy release and placement on the tongue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the retrieval string is provided loose and unwrapped, then it is easy to access and use, but it triggers the patient's gag reflex and is difficult to swallow
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval string is wrapped around a bundling shaft, creating a nested configuration where the string is contained within the shaft structure. This nesting allows the string to be easily accessed and removed as a unified bundle, while the compact nested form prevents gag reflex during swallowing.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval string is pre-wrapped around the bundling shaft and pre-configured into a swallowable bundle before administration. This preliminary action ensures the string is already in the optimal configuration for swallowing, eliminating the need for manual bundling during the procedure and ensuring consistent results.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling and bundling of the retrieval string is performed, then the string can be prepared for administration, but it increases procedure time and causes tangling
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval string is pre-wrapped around the bundling shaft and pre-configured into a swallowable bundle during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual bundling during the medical procedure, significantly reducing procedure time and preventing tangling issues that occur with manual handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The bundling shaft serves as an intermediary device that facilitates the preparation and administration of the retrieval string. By using this intermediate tool, the string can be easily manipulated and bundled without direct manual handling, reducing procedure time and preventing tangling.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the retrieval string is wrapped tightly in a bundle, then it is easier to swallow, but it requires complex packaging and release mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval string is wrapped around the bundling shaft in a nested configuration, creating a compact bundle that is easy to swallow. The nested structure naturally maintains the bundled configuration without requiring complex packaging, as the shaft itself provides the constraining structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bundling shaft is designed to be easily removed from the wrapped string, allowing the pre-bundled string to be extracted and administered without requiring complex release mechanisms. The extraction process is simplified by designing the shaft for easy removal while maintaining the bundled configuration during storage and transport.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses and systems are described for administering a swallowable cell collection device to a patient. Methods include releasing a swallowable bundle of string of the cell collection device from a bundling apparatus, maintaining the string in a swallowable bundle while releasing the swallowable bundle from the bundling apparatus, and placing the swallowable bundle on the tongue of the patient. Methods also include constraining a retrieval string of the cell collection device in a swallowable bundle with a dissolvable band and placing the swallowable bundle on the tongue of the patient.