Flexible Tracheo-bronchial Sampling Device for Mhp Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic tools for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhp) in pigs are hindered by the lack of effective and safe tracheo-bronchial sampling devices, leading to inadequate detection and control of the pathogen, which complicates respiratory disease management and results in significant economic losses.

Innovation Solution

A disposable tracheo-bronchial sampling device featuring a flexible, elongated shaft with a hydrophilic collection member and a flocked swab, designed for safe and efficient collection of tracheal mucus, is developed. The device includes a handle and a swab with a cap for easy use and is adaptable for different animal sizes and species.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If modified tracheal catheters or artificial insemination rods are used for sampling, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of sample collection is insufficient and adequate amounts of tracheo-bronchial mucus cannot be collected

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a flexible catheter shaft for navigation, a collection member with multiple slots for sample acquisition, and a handling mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall reliability and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collection member acts as an intermediary between the catheter shaft and the sample collection function. It features multiple slots that facilitate adequate mucus collection without requiring complex mechanisms, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If tracheo-bronchial sampling is performed to achieve accurate Mhp diagnosis, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter incorporates a flexible shaft that can navigate the anatomical structures of the respiratory tract, making the procedure easier to perform while maintaining the ability to reach the tracheo-bronchial region for accurate sampling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The collection member features a curved or angled design that facilitates proper positioning within the trachea and bronchi, improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision for accurate Mhp detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If a specialized tracheo-bronchial sampling device is developed to collect adequate samples, then the reliability and measurement precision are improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed with universal features that can be adapted for use in different animal species and sizes, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices. The collection member's slot design provides multi-functionality for various sampling scenarios while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device allows for parameter adjustments such as catheter length, slot configuration, and material properties to optimize performance for different applications. This flexibility maintains reliability across various uses without requiring fundamentally different device designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The device provides a practical, sensitive, and cost-effective means for collecting tracheal samples, demonstrating comparable detection rates to traditional methods while ensuring animal safety and ease of use, thus improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing economic losses.

Implementation Method 1

a collection member at an end of the flexible, elongated shaft, with the collection member comprising a hollow member with a plurality of annularly-spaced slots to aid in collecting a sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

A disposable tracheo-bronchial sampling device featuring a flexible, elongated shaft with a hydrophilic collection member and a flocked swab

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11878116B2Tracheo-bronchial sampling device

Publication Date: 2024.01.23

AI summary

A tracheal sampling device is used to collect or acquire cells from an animal, such as at or near the tracheo-bronchial or larynx of an animal. The device includes a flexible and elongated shaft or stem, and a collection member at a distal end of the device. The collection member could be a swab or other member to best collect mucus. The device is used by inserting the collection end into an animal to position the collection member at or near the cell collection site, which may be in or around the larynx. The collection member is removed after collecting cells, which can be reviewed, tested, or otherwise managed to determine the presence of a disease or other bacteria. The length of the shaft or stem allows for optimal positioning of the swab in a variety of animal species and ages. The device can be disposed after each use.