Biological Sample Preservation Tube With Integrated In-Mold Identification Code
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for labeling biological sample preservation tubes with identification codes fail to maintain code stability at low temperatures, and existing in-mold labeling technologies are not suitable for small-sized tubes, leading to inefficiencies and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an identification code into the biological sample preservation tube through an in-mold labeling process, where a core layer with the code is fused with a heat sealing layer and molded directly onto the tube body, eliminating the need for additional fixation processes and ensuring stability at low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional labeling methods are used to mark identification codes on sample preservation tubes, then the labeling process can be completed, but the identification code fails to maintain stability at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the identification code manufacturing process with the sample preservation tube manufacturing process into a single in-mold labeling step. The identification code is formed directly on the tube body during injection molding, eliminating separate labeling operations. This integration ensures the code becomes an integral part of the tube structure, maintaining stability at low temperatures through direct molecular bonding rather than surface attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification code is prepared and positioned within the mold cavity before the injection molding process begins. The code-making mold cavity is pre-configured with the desired code pattern, and the labeling material is placed in position prior to injection. This preliminary preparation ensures the code is formed correctly during the molding process without requiring post-processing adjustments, guaranteeing low-temperature stability from the outset.
2Reliability
If additional fixation processes are used to attach identification codes to tube bodies, then code attachment can be achieved, but production efficiency decreases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple operations—code formation, code attachment, and tube manufacturing—into a single in-mold labeling process. The identification code is created and attached to the tube body simultaneously during injection molding, eliminating the need for separate fixation steps such as adhesive application, curing, or mechanical fastening. This integration dramatically improves production efficiency while ensuring reliable code attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection molding process itself performs the attachment function. The molten plastic material automatically fills the mold cavity, forming the identification code and bonding it to the tube body in one continuous operation. The process is self-contained, requiring no external fixation equipment or additional materials, thereby streamlining production and reducing costs.
3Productivity
If in-mold labeling is applied to small-sized sample preservation tubes, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but labeling precision becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the mold cavity with specific features tailored to the small tube dimensions. The code-making mold cavity includes precise dimensional specifications and surface treatments optimized for small-scale code formation. The labeling material properties are also selected to match the small tube size, ensuring adequate flow and bonding characteristics. This localized optimization maintains high precision despite the small scale and improved manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts key parameters including mold cavity dimensions, injection pressure, temperature, and material viscosity to suit small-sized tubes. By optimizing these parameters specifically for small-scale in-mold labeling, the process achieves both high precision code formation and improved manufacturing efficiency. The parameters are tuned to ensure proper code resolution and attachment strength on small surfaces.
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
This approach ensures the stability and accuracy of the identification code at low temperatures, reduces production costs, and enhances manufacturing efficiency by integrating the code directly into the tube during molding, suitable for small-sized tubes.
Implementation Method 1
a feed inlet, which is pointed to the center position of the bottom wall... the molten plastic feedstock is injected into the mold
Implementation Method 2
the molten plastic feedstock is injected into the mold via at least two symmetric feed channels
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a biological sample preservation tube with an identification code, wherein an information element which records the sample information is fused integrally with the bottom wall and/or side walls during molding the preservation tube, the preservation tube is suitable for the preservation of a biological sample at low temperature and can ensure the effectiveness and stability at low temperature; and at the same time also relates to a method for manufacturing the biological sample preservation tube, wherein the preservation tube is molded by a one-step process, without an additional secondary processes for manufacturing the identification code, the method improves the production efficiency, reduces the production cost, employs multi-point symmetrical feeding, and has good quality and stability of the product, so that the method is of great significance as it opens up a new idea for developing and producing the similar product in the industry, especially the small-sized preservation tube with an identification code.