Tubular Sampling Device for Bodily Fluids with Cutting Partition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing test devices for analyzing bodily fluids are cumbersome, require precise user skill, and are prone to errors due to the complexity of sequential component usage, leading to potential misordering and contamination.

Innovation Solution

A single, tubular housing with integrated functional areas for blood supply, reaction, and indication, where a user-actuated cutting device separates partitions to ensure a defined test sequence, using capillary forces and prefabricated reagent cartridges to streamline the process and prevent contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple assemblies or components are used sequentially in known test devices, then the test can be performed with separate functional areas, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and prone to user error due to complex ordering requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate assemblies (feed area, reaction area, indication area) into a single integrated housing. The blood supply area, reaction area with reagent, and indication area with test strip are combined in one device with predefined flow paths, eliminating the need for users to manually assemble or order multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated housing is segmented into distinct functional areas (feed area, reaction area, indication area) that are spatially separated but functionally connected through predefined flow paths. This segmentation allows each area to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used in the test device, then functional areas can be independently designed, but components may fall to the ground during use and become soiled, making the test unusable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional flexibilityVSAvoidtest reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By combining all functional components into a single integrated housing, the patent eliminates the risk of components falling to the ground and becoming contaminated. All sensitive areas (blood supply, reagent, test strip) are protected within the sealed housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a partition wall made of thin film material that can be cut through by the cutting device. This thin film structure allows for controlled separation of functional areas while maintaining the integrity and protection of the overall housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If partitions are penetrated axially as in WO 2005/071388 A1, then functional areas can be accessed, but the test procedure becomes dependent on user skill and does not guarantee a precise test sequence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidtest sequence precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing a cutting device that automatically cuts the partition wall when activated. This predefined cutting mechanism ensures that the partition is breached at the correct location and time, guaranteeing the proper test sequence without requiring advanced user skill or manual dexterity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of penetrating partitions with a predefined cutting mechanism. The cutting device is designed to automatically cut through the partition wall along a predetermined path, substituting user-dependent manual penetration with a controlled mechanical cutting action that ensures precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If a single tubular housing integrates all functional areas, then the test sequence is precisely defined and user error is reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidhousing integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges all functional areas (blood supply, reaction, indication) into a single tubular housing with integrated flow paths. This integration simplifies operation by eliminating the need for manual assembly or complex sequencing, while the internal segmentation maintains functional distinctness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where the blood supply area, reaction area, and indication area are arranged concentrically or sequentially within the tubular housing. The capillary tube is nested within the housing, the reaction area is nested within the housing structure, and the test strip is nested in the indication area, creating a compact integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution simplifies the test procedure, ensures a precise and defined sequence, reducing user error and contamination risks, while allowing for easy replacement and variation of reagents through prefabricated cartridges.

Implementation Method 1

the capillary tube ( 24 ) can receive the blood to be tested as a result of capillary forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary forces: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP2393597B1Sampling device for biological liquids
Publication Date: 2014.05.07 GAUDLITZ
  • EP2393597B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2393597B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2393597B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a test device for fluids of the human and animal body, comprising a tube-shaped housing, in which are disposed: an infeed area for feeding in a prescribed quantity of the bodily fluid, a reaction area connected downstream of the infeed area and separated from the same by at least one closed separating wall, and in which the bodily fluid is brought to a chemical reaction with at least one reagent, and an indication area connected downstream of the reaction area and separated from the same by a separating element having a defined through hole, and in which an indication element is disposed, the bodily fluid being passed through the through hole after reacting with the reagent. A cutting device is provided by means of which the separating wall can be opened or destroyed.