Venturi Vacuum Device for Non-Invasive Biological Sample Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional swabbing and tape lift techniques for collecting biological samples often result in low DNA recovery due to interference from collection matrices, and environmental sampling methods can be invasive, damaging the organisms.

Innovation Solution

A device integrating a sterile syringe with a venturi-type vacuum source for sample collection, using detachable specimen-collecting tools like silicone suction cups with porous membranes, hollow metallic needles, or pipette tips, allowing for non-invasive collection of trace specimens without damaging the host organisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional swabbing or tape lift techniques are used to collect biological samples, then the collection process is simple and quick, but the DNA recovery is low due to interference from collection matrices and samples adhering to gum and glues

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDNA recovery efficiencyVSAvoidcollection device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a syringe body for vacuum generation, a detachable specimen-collecting tool for sample acquisition, and a barrier layer to prevent contamination. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system effectiveness for high DNA recovery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary between the specimen-collecting tool and the syringe interior. This barrier prevents samples from adhering to the syringe walls while allowing vacuum transmission, thereby eliminating the adhesion problem that causes low DNA recovery in conventional methods without requiring complex device modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If invasive methods are used to collect environmental samples, then the sample collection is effective, but the living organisms are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample collection effectivenessVSAvoiddamage to living organisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum-powered device enables self-service sampling where the organism or environment provides the sample through natural processes (e.g., animals licking surfaces, plants releasing pollen) without requiring physical intrusion or damage to the organism, thus maintaining collection effectiveness while eliminating harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces invasive mechanical sampling methods (such as physical extraction or dissection) with a vacuum-based collection system that utilizes pressure differentials to draw samples passively from the environment or organism surfaces, thereby achieving effective sample collection without mechanical damage to living organisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If conventional collection methods are used, then the device is simple to operate, but contamination risks increase due to matrix interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice usabilityVSAvoidsample purity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier layer serves as an intermediary that physically separates the specimen-collecting tool from the syringe interior, preventing contamination while allowing the device to remain easy to operate through simple detachable connections and straightforward vacuum activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier layer is made of porous material that allows vacuum transmission while preventing direct contact between samples and syringe walls. This porous structure maintains sample purity by blocking contamination pathways while preserving the simplicity of device operation through its integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 effectively collects and retrieves trace biological and environmental samples with higher DNA recovery efficiency compared to conventional methods, enabling non-invasive sampling and reducing contamination risks.

Implementation Method 1

A device can utilize a sterile syringe integrated with a venturi-type vacuum source for sample collection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10908052B2Venturi vacuum device for biological sample collections

Publication Date: 2021.02.02 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

AI summary

Devices and methods for collecting trace amounts of samples are provided. A device can utilize a sterile syringe integrated with a venturi-type vacuum source for sample collection. The device can be used in a variety of applications for collecting specimens that are otherwise difficult to retrieve using conventional sample collecting techniques.