Tissue Sampling Device with Dual-Opening Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for obtaining tissue samples from animals for disease detection and identification are prone to contamination and lack flexibility in adding preservatives or reagents, with the punch either risking contamination during extraction or requiring removal for preservative insertion.
Innovation Solution
A device with storage means having at least two openings allows direct insertion of the cutting element and sample, enabling preservatives or reagents to be added without removing the cutting element, and includes a permeable wall for secure sample storage and desiccant use, facilitating analysis without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sample is extracted from the punch and inserted into the microtube separately, then the sample can be stored, but the operations are tedious and there is a risk of contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The punch and microtube are merged into a single integrated device where the punch is inserted directly into the microtube. The sample remains attached to the punch during insertion, eliminating separate extraction and insertion operations. This integration reduces contamination risk by minimizing exposure to external environments and reduces operational complexity by performing sampling and storage in one continuous action.
Solution Approach 2:
The punch is nested within the microtube during the sampling process. The microtube contains the punch, which in turn contains the sample. This nested configuration allows the sample to be transferred directly from the punch to the microtube without external manipulation, reducing contamination risk and simplifying operations.
2Reliability
If the punch diameter is made slightly smaller than the microtube diameter to serve as an airtight lid, then the sample is protected, but preservatives or reagents cannot be added without removing the punch
Solution Approach 1:
Preservatives or reagents are added to the microtube before the punch is inserted. This preliminary action allows the chemical agents to be in place and ready to act on the sample as soon as it is deposited, maintaining sample protection while enabling the addition of preservatives without requiring punch removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static closed configuration to a dynamic state during insertion. The punch is inserted through a seal or opening mechanism that temporarily allows access for preservative addition, then returns to a closed protective state. This dynamic behavior provides both protection and versatility.
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 approach minimizes contamination risk, allows for secure and flexible sample preservation, and simplifies analysis by enabling preservative removal and reducing reagent absorption, ensuring accurate and efficient sample handling.
Implementation Method 1
The wall is advantageously permeable, that is to say not impermeable. It allows in particular the passage of liquid, gas, or small elements from one compartment to another. Thus, it allows the passage of a reagent, introduced through the second opening, from the second compartment to the first compartment. On the other hand, it prevents the passage of the sample located in the first compartment towards the second compartment.
Implementation Method 2
A preservative can also be introduced into the microtube 12, making it possible in particular to dry the sample and ensure its preservation over a long period, from several months to several years for example.
Implementation Method 3
making it possible in particular to dry the sample and ensure its preservation over a long period
Data Source
Figure 1~3B
Figure 4A~4B
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for sampling tissue from an animal, comprising sampling means provided with at least one cutting element (35) for cutting and collecting a sample of tissue from the animal, and means (31) for storing the sample, into which the cutting element is inserted once the sample has been collected. According to the invention, the storage means (31) have at least two openings, a first opening (32) for receiving the cutting element and the sample, and a second opening (33) cooperating with the detachable closing means (34).