Medical Diagnostic Cartridge Sealing Device with Intermediate Shutter Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cartridges for medical assays often suffer from untimely closure of the introduction aperture, rendering them unusable due to accidental closure during packaging or transport, which can lead to contamination and invalidation of assay results.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device with an intermediate retracted configuration and motion guiding means that requires intentional extension and retraction of the shutter to prevent accidental closure, along with switching and retaining means to ensure the shutter remains in the final retracted position, and cutting means to safely handle the swab, all made from polycarbonate for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple closure device with a single retracted position is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing untimely closure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is segmented into two distinct retracted positions: a first retracted position where the closure element partially covers the aperture, and a second retracted position where the closure element fully covers the aperture. This segmentation allows the system to differentiate between temporary and permanent closure states, preventing accidental full closure while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is designed to first move to the first retracted position (partial closure) before reaching the second retracted position (full closure). This preliminary action serves as a safety mechanism, requiring the user to consciously complete the full closure action, thereby preventing inadvertent full closure during handling or transport.
2Ease of operation
If the shutter can be moved freely to the final retracted position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the harmful effect of accidental closure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion guiding means incorporates a preliminary anti-action mechanism where the first retracted position acts as a barrier or checkpoint. The closure element must pause at this intermediate position, requiring the user to intentionally initiate the full closure sequence. This preliminary anti-action prevents accidental full closure while preserving ease of intentional operation.
3Reliability
If locking means are added to prevent movement in the final retracted position, then the reliability of sealing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is designed as a self-service mechanism that automatically engages when the closure element reaches the second retracted position. The closure element's own movement triggers the locking action, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations. This self-service approach maintains high sealing reliability while minimizing the complexity of the locking mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sealing device for closing an introduction aperture, the sealing device comprising a fixed support (2) and a shutter (3) mounted movably in translation relative to the support between an extended position and a final retracted position, wherein the sealing device is in a final retracted configuration and wherein the shutter closes introduction aperture. The device includes locking means for preventing any movement of the shutter when it is in the final retracted position. The sealing device further comprises an intermediate retracted configuration, wherein the shutter is at least partly retracted. The sealing device also comprises motion guiding means (5, 7, 14) for guiding the movement of the shutter and designed so that the extension of the shutter is required to move the shutter from the intermediate retracted position to the final retracted position.