Toothbrush with Integrated Sample Collection Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biological sample collection devices are cumbersome, difficult to use, and prone to contamination, making them unsuitable for effective at-home diagnostics and self-testing.
Innovation Solution
A toothbrush with a sample collection member, either integrally formed or releasably attached, that allows for the collection of biological samples such as saliva or cellular material, providing a simple and effective mechanism for self-testing and at-home diagnostics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional sample collection devices (sample tubes) are used, then sample collection capability is provided, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to awkward shape, multiple steps, and difficult closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the toothbrush and sample collection device into a single integrated unit. The sample collection member is either integrally formed with the toothbrush handle or releasably attached to it, eliminating the need for separate sample collection devices and simplifying the overall system while maintaining both toothbrushing and sampling functions
Solution Approach 2:
The toothbrush is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be used for normal toothbrushing activities and simultaneously serves as a vehicle for collecting biological samples. The sample collection member can be reused multiple times with different toothbrush heads, providing universal applicability across multiple uses and users
2Reliability
If conventional sample tubes are used, then sample collection is possible, but reliability deteriorates due to contamination risks and inconsistent sample combining
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sample collection function from the traditional sample tube and integrates it directly into the toothbrush. The sample collection member is positioned to receive samples directly from the oral cavity during toothbrushing, eliminating the need for separate collection steps and reducing contamination risks associated with handling and transferring samples
Solution Approach 2:
The sample collection member is pre-positioned on the toothbrush before use, and the collection process occurs automatically during normal toothbrushing. The bristles contact the oral tissues and transfer cells directly into the sample collection member, performing the collection action preliminarily and automatically without requiring additional user steps that could introduce contamination
3Productivity
If sample collection members are made detachable for repeated use, then productivity improves through multiple samplings, but device complexity increases due to attachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The sample collection member is designed with a detachable attachment mechanism that allows it to be easily connected to and disconnected from the toothbrush handle. This dynamic configuration enables the sample collection member to be removed after use, cleaned or replaced, and reattached to a new toothbrush head for subsequent sampling, providing repeated sampling capability while keeping the attachment mechanism simple
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a toothbrush including a sample collection member operably associated therewith and configured to collect a biological sample of interest from a user's mouth or other orifice. The sample collection member is either integrally formed with or releasably attached to a portion of the toothbrush. Accordingly, the toothbrush may be utilized as a vehicle for accessing a user's mouth and collecting, via the sample collection member, a biological sample of interest, such as saliva, cellular material within the mouth (i.e., check cells), and/or respiratory mucosa. Upon collection of a biological sample, either the entire unit (toothbrush and sample collection member) or simply the sample collection member can be shipped to a laboratory for processing or can be used for testing at home.