Telescoping Specimen Collection Swab with Frangible Capsule

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current specimen collection apparatuses are not effectively packaged for single-use, making it difficult to collect and preserve specimens in a safe and efficient manner, particularly for deep locations like the back of the mouth, and do not provide adequate preservation of the sample integrity during transportation.

Innovation Solution

A specimen collection and preservation apparatus featuring a telescoping member with a frustum-shaped cap that allows for easy extension and retraction of the collection swab, integrated with a standard laboratory vial that serves as both a handle and a container for the sample, and includes a frangible capsule for preservation liquid, ensuring the sample is protected and mixed with the liquid for secure storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a telescoping member is used to extend the collection swab for deep locations, then the collection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The telescoping member comprises nested tubes that can slide relative to each other, allowing the distal end to extend for deep specimen collection and retract for compact storage. The collection swab is housed within the telescoping member, creating a nested configuration that resolves the contradiction between extended reach and compact form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the apparatus is packaged for single-use with integrated components, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus integrates multiple functions into a single unit: the collection swab, telescoping member, preservation capsule, and laboratory vial are combined into one assembled device. This merging allows the user to perform collection, preservation, and storage in a single operational sequence, improving ease of operation despite the integrated complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The preservation capsule is pre-filled with preservation liquid and the apparatus is pre-assembled in a sterile configuration before use. The user simply needs to perform the collection and activation steps without preparing components separately, which simplifies the operational process while maintaining the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the collection swab is retracted into the telescoping member after sampling, then the sample integrity is improved, but the ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample integrityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retraction mechanism is designed to be automatically activated by the user's natural motion after collection. The telescoping member slides back into the housing when the user withdraws the apparatus from the collection site, requiring minimal additional manipulation while ensuring the swab is securely retracted to protect sample integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Loss of substance

If the apparatus is compactly sealed for transportation, then the loss of substance is reduced, but the volume of the object increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample preservationVSAvoidapparatus volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The telescoping member and collection swab are nested within the housing, and the preservation capsule is nested within the apparatus structure. This nested configuration allows the apparatus to be compactly sealed for transportation, reducing the volume while maintaining the integrity of the preservation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables efficient collection and preservation of biological specimens, maintaining sample integrity and reducing transportation costs by allowing the apparatus to be compactly sealed for safe handling and analysis.

Implementation Method 1

a frangible capsule for preservation liquid, ensuring the sample is protected and mixed with the liquid for secure storage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrangible capsule containment:

Implementation Method 2

ensuring the sample is protected and mixed with the liquid for secure storage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid mixing:

Data Source

PatentUS10064606B1Specimen collection and preservation apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.09.04 SPECTRUM SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

A collection apparatus having an open central retaining member retaining a frustum-shaped cap at one end with a collection vial removably affixed to the frustum-shaped cap. The open central retaining member also retains within it a capsule retaining member into which a frangible capsule retaining a sample preservative if retained. The seal is broken and specimen preservative flows over a collection swab, with the frustum-shaped cap serving as a closing member and an interior wall of the collection vial serving as a closing member at an opposite end of the open central retaining member.