Biologic Sample Container With Septum-Controlled Toxic-Liquid Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for biological samples in in vitro diagnostics face risks of exposure to toxic preservative/stabilizer reagents due to inadequate sealing and potential leakage of toxic vapors, leading to health hazards for operators.
Innovation Solution
A container design with a connecting sleeve featuring a transversal septum and multiple transfer openings, along with circumferential projections and a central vent, ensures a tight seal and controlled transfer of toxic liquids, preventing vapor escape and air ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple butt joint is used to connect receptacles, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing reliability deteriorates leading to potential leakage of toxic vapors
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane seals the transfer openings in the septum, creating a reliable seal that prevents toxic vapor leakage while maintaining a relatively simple connection structure between receptacles
Solution Approach 2:
A septum with transfer openings acts as an intermediary component between receptacles, enabling controlled liquid transfer while maintaining sealing through the flexible membrane, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability
2Ease of operation
If the upper receptacle is unscrewed to transfer toxic liquid, then liquid transfer is enabled, but vapor escape and air ingress occur
Solution Approach 1:
The toxic liquid is extracted from the upper receptacle through sealed transfer openings in the septum, allowing liquid transfer while keeping the toxic vapor contained within the closed system
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid rushes through the transfer openings quickly during the transfer process, minimizing the time the system is in a transitional state where vapor escape could occur, while the flexible membrane ensures continuous sealing
3Reliability
If formaldehyde is used as preservative, then sample preservation is effective, but operator health risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful formaldehyde preservative is extracted from the operator's environment by containing it within the sealed lower receptacle system, allowing its continued use for effective preservation while eliminating operator exposure risks
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed container system with controlled transfer mechanisms acts as an intermediary barrier between the toxic formaldehyde and the operator, enabling effective sample preservation while protecting operator health
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 design provides a safe and reliable containment of toxic liquids, minimizing health risks by ensuring airtight sealing and preventing vapor leakage during sample handling and transport.
Implementation Method 1
The lid has a sealed receptacle adapted to contain a preserving agent and a puncturing element actuatable to break the seal
Data Source
AI summary
A container (1) for biologic samples has a lower receptacle (2), an upper receptacle (3) for a toxic liquid (LF) or considered as such, having a radial ring (63), and a connecting sleeve (4) with a circumferential rim (54) and a transversal septum (40), provided with a central vent opening (55) and with a plurality of transfer openings (51) for the transfer of toxic liquid (LF). The toxic liquid (LF) is sealed between the upper receptacle (3) and the transversal septum (40) before unscrewing the upper receptacle until its radial ring (63) touches the circumferential rim (54). When unscrewing the upper receptacle (3), the toxic liquid (LF) reaches and passes through the plurality of transfer openings (51), and air contained in the lower receptacle (2) flows into the upper receptacle (3) through the central vent opening (55), without any exit of gases and liquids from the container (1).