Tray Packaging With Splash Wall For Microliter Sample Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging solutions for sample analysis units face challenges in securely transporting and processing microliter samples, requiring dexterity and potentially leading to hazardous spills and increased medical waste, especially when handling samples collected via venipuncture or finger stick.
Innovation Solution
A tray-like packaging unit with a thermoformed well, splash wall, and overflow reservoir that securely holds a sample analysis slide and sample collection device, allowing for efficient transfer of samples via capillary action and minimizing the risk of spills and waste generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of microliter samples is performed, then sample transfer can be accomplished, but dexterity is required and risk of spills increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging unit serves as an intermediary device between the sample source and the analysis slide. It includes a well to receive samples, a sample collection device with capillary action to automatically transfer samples, and a splash wall to contain spills. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for manual microliter handling while providing automated sample transfer and spill containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample collection device utilizes capillary action to automatically draw samples from the well and transfer them to the analysis slide without requiring manual manipulation. The packaging unit's design allows the sample to self-transfer through capillary forces, eliminating the need for dexterous manual handling and reducing spill risk.
2Quantity of substance
If venipuncture is used for sample collection, then sufficient sample volume can be obtained, but exposure to infectious agents and hazardous spills increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging unit acts as a containment intermediary between the sample collection device and the user. The splash wall creates a physical barrier that contains any potential spills within the packaging unit, preventing exposure to infectious agents. The well design allows for receiving larger sample volumes from venipuncture while maintaining containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging unit extracts and isolates the hazardous sample handling functions within a contained structure. By separating the sample transfer function into an automated capillary-based system within the packaging unit, the design removes the need for manual manipulation of potentially infectious samples, thereby reducing exposure risk.
3Productivity
If microliter sample handling is performed manually, then analysis can proceed, but hazardous waste generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging unit is designed as a disposable component that can be easily discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for complex decontamination procedures and reduces hazardous waste handling requirements. The low-cost, single-use design allows for rapid disposal without contributing significantly to hazardous waste accumulation, maintaining high analysis throughput.
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 packaging unit stabilizes the sample analysis components during transport, reduces the need for manual dexterity in sample transfer, and minimizes hazardous waste by enabling secure and efficient handling and processing of microliter samples, while reducing the risk of spills and waste generation.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a collected sample by allowing adequate time for at least part of the transferred sample to be acquired by capillary action into the sample collection device
Data Source
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AI summary
An article of manufacture composed of tray-like packaging unit characterized by a first section designed to hold a sample analysis slide and a second section de- signed to hold a sample collection device. Molded into the tray-like packaging unit are a thermoformed well designed to accept a patient's liquid sample from a pi pette or syringe, a splash wall formed between the first section and the second section designed to contain the patient's liquid sample in the thermoformed well, and an overflow reservoir designed to hold excess patient sample placed in the thermoformed well. Also molded into the sidewalls of tray-like packaging unit are projections designed to allow the sample analysis slide and the sample collection device to be snapped into the packaging unit resulting in a secure configuration for transport.