Tissue Sampling Cartridge with Bridge Shield and Punch-Die Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tissue sampling for animal DNA tracking faces challenges in sample security, tampering prevention, and cross-contamination during collection and transit, particularly in agricultural settings.
Innovation Solution
A sampling cartridge system comprising a storage container and sample collector aligned with a gap, shielded by a bridge section, using a removable seal and punch-die mechanism to securely collect and store samples, with unique identification for tracking and tamper evidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional sampling method is used, then the sampling process is simple, but sample security and tampering prevention are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is divided into separate functional modules: a sampling cartridge containing the sample collector, a storage container for the collected sample, and a sampler device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system security and traceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample collector is nested within the sampling cartridge, which in turn is inserted into the sampler device. The storage container is nested within the cartridge body. This nested structure ensures that samples remain contained and protected throughout the sampling process, preventing tampering while maintaining a relatively simple overall device profile.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If samples are collected and stored separately, then cross-contamination is reduced, but the sampling process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sample collector and storage container are pre-positioned within the cartridge in a aligned configuration before sampling begins. The cartridge is pre-loaded with all necessary components, including the sample collector at the forward end and the storage container within the cartridge body. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for complex manual positioning during sampling while ensuring that samples are collected and stored in separate, dedicated containers to prevent cross-contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge body acts as an intermediary structure that holds both the sample collector and storage container in fixed, pre-determined positions. This intermediary framework ensures proper alignment and spacing between components, allowing samples to be collected in one location and stored in another without requiring complex operational steps, thereby preventing cross-contamination while maintaining ease of use.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a shield is added to protect from contact with sampled item, then contamination prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is merged with the existing cartridge body structure rather than being added as a separate component. The cartridge body itself is designed to shield the sampler device from contact with the sampled item during the sampling operation. This integration approach provides contamination protection while avoiding the need for additional complex shielding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it holds and aligns the sample collector and storage container, provides structural support, and acts as a shield to prevent contact between the sampler device and the sampled item. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated shielding components, thereby preventing contamination while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sampling cartridge comprising a sampling cartridge body. The sampling cartridge body includes a storage container holding region, at where a storage container is or is able to be located. It also includes a sample collector holding region at where a sample collector is or is able to be located. In use, the body holds the sample collector and storage container in alignment with each other in a pre-sampling condition spaced apart with a sufficient gap to allow part of an item to be sampled to locate at the gap.