Telescoping Sampling Probe Seal Debris Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical diagnostic analyzers face inefficiencies due to clogging issues with piercing and sampling mechanisms, cross-contamination risks, and the inability to process samples from varying vial sizes in a single batch, leading to reduced throughput and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A clinical diagnostic analyzer featuring a telescoping piercing probe and sample probe assembly with a venting mechanism that minimizes debris entry and allows for simultaneous piercing and sampling of fluid from vials of different sizes, using a positive pressure gas source to purge the piercing tube and a sensor system for precise sample aspiration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate piercing apparatus is used to break the frangible seal, then the seal can be broken effectively, but debris from the seal can block the sample aspirator tip and venting ports, reducing accuracy and potentially damaging the aspirator
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate functional components: a piercing apparatus with a piercing member for breaking the seal, and a sample aspirator for aspirating samples. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the piercing member handling seal breakdown and the aspirator handling sample collection, thereby preventing cross-contamination and debris blockage
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful factor (seal debris) is extracted from the sampling path by using a dedicated piercing member that remains separate from the aspirator. The piercing member breaks the seal while the aspirator aspirates samples through a clean path, preventing debris from entering and blocking the aspirator tip or venting ports
2Ease of manufacture
If the piercing device and sampling device are separated and located in different areas of the analyzer, then each device can be optimized independently, but additional time is required to reposition the sample or move the aspirator, increasing throughput time
Solution Approach 1:
The piercing apparatus and sample aspirator are merged into a single integrated sampling device. The piercing member and aspirator are positioned such that both functions can be performed on the same sample container without requiring repositioning or movement between separate devices, thereby reducing throughput time while maintaining the functional separation needed to prevent debris contamination
3Device complexity
If the sample aspirator is used in dual mode to break the seal and aspirate sample, then the device complexity is reduced, but blockage of the aspirator may occur if seal fragments enter the tip or venting apertures
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a piercing member for seal breaking and an aspirator for sample collection. Although this increases device complexity slightly, it dramatically improves reliability by preventing seal fragments from entering the aspirator, thus avoiding blockages and ensuring consistent sample aspiration
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
This design enhances sampling accuracy, reduces cross-contamination, and increases throughput by enabling efficient processing of multiple vial sizes in a batch, significantly improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the analyzer.
Implementation Method 1
a positive pressure gas source for generating positive gas pressure operatively joined to the valve. The positive gas pressure generated by the positive pressure gas source purges the piercing tube lumen
Data Source
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AI summary
A clinical diagnostic sample analyzer for analyzing a sample of a patient is disclosed. The analyzer includes a telescoping closed-tube sampling assembly with a sample probe concentrically housed within a piercing probe and a venting mechanism. The closed-tube sampling assembly is used for aspirating a sample from a sample tube for analysis by a clinical diagnostic sample analyzer.