Biological Sample Containment Device with Hermetic Preservative Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containment devices for biological samples are complex, costly, difficult to handle, and pose safety risks due to the use of formaldehyde preservatives, with high component counts and costly sealing processes.
Innovation Solution
A simplified containment device with a three-component design featuring a first vessel, a lid, and a hermetically-sealed second vessel inserted into the first, using a screw-thread mechanism and elastic extraction-preventing features to minimize components and ensure safety, made from recyclable or biodegradable plastic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a container assembly with separator and puncturing element is used to contain formaldehyde, then safety for technicians is improved, but device complexity increases and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two main segments: an inner hermetically-sealed chamber containing the formaldehyde and an outer container for the biological sample. This segmentation isolates the hazardous formaldehyde in a separate, sealed compartment while maintaining functionality through controlled interaction (fluid passage) between segments, thus improving safety without requiring complex multi-component assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The puncturing element and seal-breaking mechanism are integrated directly into the lid structure rather than being separate components. By extracting the seal-breaking function and combining it with the lid, the device reduces component count and simplifies handling while maintaining the safety function of controlled formaldehyde release.
2Reliability
If heat-sealing or adhesive bonding is used to seal the seal to the receptacle edges, then hermetic sealing is improved, but manufacturing cost and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is integrated as an integral part of the receptacle structure rather than being a separate component requiring attachment. This merging eliminates the need for separate heat-sealing or adhesive bonding operations, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining hermetic sealing through the monolithic construction of the seal-receptacle assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used in the containment device, then functionality is improved, but assembly complexity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lid serves multiple functions: it closes the outer container, houses the puncturing element for seal breaking, and provides structural support for the assembly. By giving the lid multiple functions, the device maintains complex functionality while reducing the number of separate components, thereby simplifying assembly and improving production efficiency.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If formaldehyde is used as preservative, then sample preservation is improved, but safety risks for technicians increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hermetically-sealed chamber acts as an intermediary barrier between the formaldehyde and the external environment. This intermediate sealed compartment allows formaldehyde to effectively preserve samples while preventing direct exposure to technicians. The chamber controls the interaction between the preservative and surroundings, maintaining preservation efficacy while eliminating safety hazards through physical isolation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A containment device for biological samples, which comprises: - a first vessel (11) for depositing a biological sample, - a lid (12) adapted to engage the first vessel (11), - a hermetically-sealed chamber (13), adapted to contain a preservative, arranged between the lid (12) and the first vessel (11), - means of generating a passage between the hermetically-sealed chamber (13) and the first vessel (11) for the descent of the preservative from the chamber to the first vessel; the hermetically-sealed chamber (13) is defined by a second vessel (14), which is inserted into the first vessel (11) with the filling opening (15) directed toward the lid (12), and by the lid (12) itself, closed onto the first vessel (11), - the means of generating a passage between the hermetically-sealed chamber (13) and the first vessel (11) comprise a region (18) with a pre-fracture (19) that is defined on the second vessel (14) and a corresponding presser (20) that extends from the lid (12) and is in a position to encounter the region (18) with a pre-fracture (19); - the first vessel (11) and the lid (12) are mutually engaged with coupling means that define either a first configuration of use, in which the lid (12) is closed and the second vessel (14) is intact, or a second configuration of use, in which the lid (12) is closed and is displaced toward the inside of the first vessel (11) and the presser (20) is arranged so as to interrupt the continuity of the second vessel (14) at the region (18) with a pre-fracture (19).