Double-Axis Tissue Sampling Tool with Coupled Lever Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue sampling techniques for animals are inefficient, prone to contamination, and require multiple actions, making them difficult and risky for users, especially when trying to preserve samples for identification or disease detection.
Innovation Solution
A double-axis sampling tool that allows simultaneous cutting and extraction of tissue samples with a single action, using a lever mechanism to couple and uncouple the cutting and pusher elements, preventing direct contact with the sample and ensuring easy sample preservation and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a punch is inserted into a microtube to collect tissue samples, then the sample is directly inserted into the microtube limiting contamination risk, but the hairs of the animal remain stuck between the walls of the microtube and the punch causing sealing problems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic hairs from the sealing interface by introducing a dedicated extraction element that removes hairs from between the microtube walls and the stopper, separating the hair removal function from the sampling and sealing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary extraction element that acts as a mediator between the punch and the microtube, specifically designed to remove interfering hairs without requiring direct manipulation of the sealed components
2Reliability
If the punch is inserted into the microtube to collect the sample, then the sample is secured, but it is no longer possible to add any product to the microtube such as a preservative or a reagent without removing or cutting the punch
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the sampling process into distinct phases by introducing a delayed addition mechanism that allows preservative or reagent to be added after the punch is inserted but before final sealing, separating the sample collection and sample treatment functions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary actions by allowing the preservative or reagent to be added to the microtube before the final sealing operation, ensuring the sample is treated in advance while maintaining collection integrity
3Productivity
If the punch is manipulated to extract the collected tissue sample, then the sample can be removed, but this operation is difficult and complex and presents a risk of cutting for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements self-service by designing the punch with an automatic sample ejection mechanism that uses the existing sealing motion to automatically expel the sample from the punch tip, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and reducing user exposure to cutting risks
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary mechanism within the punch structure that mediates between the sealing force and the sample, using the sealing motion itself to trigger automatic sample ejection without requiring direct user contact with the sharp punch
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing sampling techniques are used with identification marks, then tissue samples can be taken when placing identification marks, but these techniques require adaptation of existing marks in structure and materials leading to brand behavior problems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the identification mark system from the sampling tool, making the sampling operation independent of the mark structure, thereby eliminating the negative impact of sampling requirements on mark material selection and performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the sampling function from the identification mark placement process, allowing sampling to be performed by a dedicated tool rather than requiring adaptation of the mark structure itself
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The invention relates to a tool for collecting a sample of animal tissue, for interacting with collection mechanism including at least one cutting element capable of cutting out a sample and a pushing element movable with respect to the cutting element and capable of pushing the sample into post-cutting storage area. According to the invention, such a tool includes: a mechanism for driving the cutting element (21), a mechanism for driving the pushing element (23), and a mechanism for reversibly coupling the drive mechanism of the cutting element with the drive mechanism of the pushing element.