Vial Device with Permeable Membrane for Uniform Cell Smearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for smearing exfoliative cells are prone to infection risk and result in non-uniform layers due to manual handling, which interferes with accurate observation and diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A vial device with a container member, a permeable membrane, and a membrane fixing member that allows for safe storage and controlled dispensing of exfoliative cells, enabling effective smearing in a single layer by using a permeable membrane to separate cells from liquid medium and an automatic cap mechanism for easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual smearing is performed using tools like dropper or cotton swab, then the operation is simple and flexible, but there is a risk of infection and the exfoliative cells form non-uniform layers
Solution Approach 1:
A slide receiving protrusion is introduced as an intermediary component between the container and the slide. This protrusion makes contact with the slide surface and receives the slide through a slide receiving groove, enabling automatic transfer of exfoliative cells without manual intervention. This eliminates the infection risk associated with manual tools while ensuring uniform cell distribution through controlled mechanical transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed to automatically transfer exfoliative cells to the slide through a mechanical ejection mechanism. When the container is pushed, the slide receiving protrusion automatically contacts the slide and transfers the cells without requiring manual manipulation of droppers or swabs. This self-service mechanism eliminates human contact with the specimen, preventing infection while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the container is designed with a permeable membrane to separate cells from liquid medium, then the smearing uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A permeable membrane is integrated into the container structure as a thin film component. This membrane allows liquid medium to pass through while retaining exfoliative cells, enabling uniform cell distribution on the slide. The membrane is incorporated into the container wall structure, adding minimal complexity while achieving the desired separation function through its selective permeability properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The container incorporates a porous membrane material that selectively permits liquid medium to pass through while blocking exfoliative cells. This porous structure enables automatic separation and uniform distribution of cells during the ejection process. The porous membrane is integrated into the container wall, providing the separation function with minimal additional structural complexity.
3Productivity
If an automatic cap mechanism is implemented for controlled dispensing, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cap mechanism is designed with dynamic, movable components including a rotatable cap body and a slide receiving groove that moves during the transfer process. The cap rotates to align the slide receiving groove with the slide surface, then pushes the slide forward to receive cells. This dynamic design enables automatic operation and improved productivity while keeping the mechanism relatively simple through the use of basic rotational and linear movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a rotatable cap body for positioning, a slide receiving groove for contact, and a pushing mechanism for transfer. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while achieving automatic controlled dispensing. The modular segmented structure reduces manufacturing complexity compared to a fully integrated mechanism.
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 vial device ensures safe handling and accurate smearing of exfoliative cells by preventing infection and achieving uniform layers, enhancing diagnostic accuracy through controlled dispensing and automatic operation.
Implementation Method 1
a permeable membrane member (120) being disposed inside of the container member corresponding to the entrance and having a porous membrane, whereby the permeable membrane member blocks the exfoliative cells and liquid medium in the container member from falling down when the container member is disposed upside down with letting the entrance being positioned at the bottom, and whereby the permeable membrane member discharges downward a part of the liquid medium and the exfoliative cells of the container member when the container member is applied on an external force in the upside-down position
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a vial device for storing a specimen which containing exfoliative cells of a human body and for being used in smearing the exfoliative cells. More specifically, the present invention relates to a technology, which may be used with an exfoliative cell processing device for smearing exfoliative cells, for moving manually or automatically in the exfoliative cell processing device with containing the exfoliative cells so as to provide a part of the exfoliative cells to a slide of the exfoliative cell processing device. The present invention has an advantage in that, due to a recess and a latching rib in the opening cap, the opening cap may be automatically separated from the container member without user operation through a rotating member of the exfoliative cell processing device.