Biological Sample Label With Removable Thermosensitive Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biological sample containment systems lack efficient methods for providing identifying information regarding sample integrity, temperature exposure, and usage timeframe, which are crucial for healthcare practitioners.

Innovation Solution

A biological sample containment system featuring a label with two thermosensitive layers, where one layer can be removed and adhered to a patient record while the other remains on the container, providing identical readable information including barcodes, electronically readable information, and indicators for temperature, time, and sample fill levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single-layer label is used on the container, then the label structure is simple, but the information cannot be transferred to patient records

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation transfer capabilityVSAvoidlabel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The label is divided into two separate layers: a first layer that remains on the container and a second layer that can be removed and transferred to patient records. This segmentation allows the label to serve dual purposes - staying with the sample while also being transferable for documentation, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second layer of the label contains identical readable information to the first layer, creating a copy that can be detached and attached to patient records. This copying mechanism enables information transfer without requiring complex digital systems, maintaining simplicity while improving operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If thermosensitive material is used for the label layers, then the information can be thermally processed, but the label requires specific temperature conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal processing capabilityVSAvoidtemperature sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The label layers are made of thermosensitive material that changes its properties in response to temperature variations. This allows the label to be thermally processed during manufacturing or application while maintaining its functionality within specific temperature ranges, accommodating both thermal processing needs and temperature sensitivity constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If identical readable information is provided on both label layers, then information transfer is accurate, but the material usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation accuracyVSAvoidmaterial consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using different information on each layer, the patent creates an identical copy of the readable information on both the first and second layers. This ensures accurate information transfer when the second layer is moved to patient records, while the duplication is minimized to only the essential information elements, balancing material usage with information accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 solution enables efficient tracking and documentation of biological samples by allowing critical information to be easily transferred from the container to patient records, ensuring sample integrity and adherence to temperature and usage guidelines.

Implementation Method 1

The first layer and the second layer of the label are both formed of a thermosensitive material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermosensitive material response: Thermochromism

Data Source

PatentEP3170170B1Biological sample containment system and label
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 BECTON DICKINSON & CO
  • EP3170170B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3170170B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3170170B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A biological sample containment system (10) and a label (20) for a container that includes a first layer (22) having a first readable information portion (24) and a second layer (26) removably attached to the first layer (22), the second layer (26) having a second readable information portion (28), is disclosed. In one embodiment, the first layer (22) and the second layer (26) of the label (20) are both formed of a thermosensitive material. In one embodiment, at least a part of the first readable information portion (24) is identical to at least a part of the second readable information portion (28). The label (20) of the present disclosure allows a portion of the label (20) having readable information to be removed and adhered to a patient record, for example, while a portion of the label (20) having identical readable information remains on the container (12).