Vacuum-Powered Blood Collection Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological fluid collection systems for point-of-care applications require conventional methods that increase blood exposure risk and necessitate excess specimen collection, as they lack efficient automatic blood draw and controlled sample dispensing capabilities for micro-sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
A biological fluid collection system with a power source that includes a collection module with a housing, mixing chamber, and collection chamber, featuring a vacuum-powered mechanism for automatic blood draw and passive mixing with a sample stabilizer, allowing for precise dispensing of small blood samples into point-of-care devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional sample collection methods are used, then sample collection is simple, but blood exposure risk increases and excess specimen is collected
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is divided into distinct functional modules: a collection module with separate mixing chamber and collection chamber, and a removable power source. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall complexity through modular design. The collection module houses the sample stabilizer and mixing mechanisms, while the power source provides vacuum generation, enabling safe automatic blood draw without requiring complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs passive mixing where the sample stabilizer automatically mixes with the blood sample through the mixing chamber without requiring additional active mixing mechanisms. The vacuum-powered piston automatically draws the sample and activates the mixing process, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex motorized mixing components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining safety.
2Productivity
If automatic blood draw is implemented, then sample collection efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power source utilizes a vacuum-powered piston mechanism that creates negative pressure to automatically draw blood samples into the collection chamber. This pneumatic approach replaces complex motorized pumps or syringe mechanisms with a simpler vacuum-based system that achieves efficient automatic blood draw through pressure differential, maintaining productivity while minimizing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter by creating a vacuum environment in the collection chamber to drive automatic sample collection. By controlling the vacuum level and piston movement, the system achieves efficient automatic blood draw without requiring complex flow control mechanisms or multiple actuators, thereby improving productivity with minimal increase in device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise sample dispensing is enabled, then sample management consistency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection chamber includes a deformable portion that can transition between different states to control sample dispensing. This dynamic element allows precise control over sample release by deforming the chamber wall to push or release samples as needed, achieving consistent sample management without requiring complex robotic dispensing mechanisms or multiple valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable portion of the collection chamber acts as an intermediary mechanism between the stored sample and the dispensing interface. By deforming this intermediate structure, the system achieves precise sample dispensing control through simple mechanical action rather than complex automated dispensing systems, maintaining manufacturing precision while minimizing device complexity.
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 system enables safe, automatic collection and controlled dispensing of micro-blood samples, reducing exposure risk and ensuring consistent sample management for point-of-care testing, while minimizing excess specimen collection.
Implementation Method 1
the spring is permitted to drive the piston to the second piston position thereby creating a vacuum that draws the sample within the collection chamber
Implementation Method 2
a spring disposed between the first end of the barrel and the piston
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A biological fluid collection system that includes a power source for a collection module that receives a sample and provides flow-through blood stabilization technology and a precise sample dispensing function for point-of-care and near patient testing applications is disclosed.