Tissue Sampling Device with Mechanical Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue sampling devices face challenges in efficiently and safely collecting soft biological samples, such as brain matter, due to their viscosity and plastic properties, particularly for diagnosing transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, requiring simple, quick, reproducible, and contamination-free methods for mass screenings.
Innovation Solution
The development of a tissue sampling device with a tubular body and plunger assembly featuring feedback elements for audible and tactile indications, a cutting element at the distal end, and metrical markings for precise volume measurement, allowing for easy sampling and extraction of biological materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional sampling devices are used for soft biological samples, then the sampling process becomes complex and time-consuming, but the device simplicity and sampling speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a tubular body for sample collection, a plunger assembly for material introduction, and feedback elements for measurement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick sampling of soft biological materials while maintaining overall device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback elements provide automatic auditory and tactile signals that indicate when the chamber is full, eliminating the need for complex external measurement devices or manual verification. The system self-regulates the sampling process, improving speed without adding complexity.
2Measurement precision
If visual inspection methods are used to determine sample volume, then measurement precision is reduced, but implementing feedback elements increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Feedback elements are integrated into the device structure, consisting of protrusions on the plunger assembly that engage with corresponding features on the tubular body. These provide automatic auditory clicks and tactile feedback at predetermined volume intervals, ensuring precise measurement without requiring complex electronic systems or external devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces visual inspection methods with mechanical feedback elements that provide auditory and tactile signals. This substitution maintains measurement precision while keeping the device simple, as the feedback mechanism uses basic mechanical components rather than complex electronic or optical systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If brain matter sampling is performed without proper control, then external contamination occurs, but implementing control mechanisms increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback elements are designed to provide clear signals at specific volume intervals, allowing the operator to stop sampling precisely when the chamber is full. This extraction of the sampling process at the optimal point prevents overfilling and potential contamination, while the elements themselves remain simple mechanical components integrated into the existing device structure.
4Reliability
If manual sampling of viscous biological materials is performed, then sampling reproducibility is reduced, but automating the process increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback elements provide consistent auditory and tactile signals at predetermined volume intervals, ensuring that each sampling operation reaches the same endpoint. This feedback mechanism creates reproducible results by eliminating variability in operator judgment, while using simple mechanical components rather than complex automated systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for obtaining a sample from inside a body includes a tubular body portion defining a chamber for receiving a sample of material therein; a plunger assembly operatively associated with the tubular body portion, the plunger assembly having a stopper slidably disposed within the chamber of the body portion; feedback elements provided on the tubular body and/or the plunger assembly for providing a user with audible and/or tactile indications regarding an amount of displacement of the plunger assembly relative to the body portion; and a cutting element is provided to facilitate sample removal.