Cryogenic Straw With Integrated Emptying Needle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing straws for cryogenic preservation of liquid-based substances require complex handling and additional equipment for emptying, posing safety and convenience challenges, especially when used for biological substances like diluted animal semen or vaccines.
Innovation Solution
A straw design with a built-in emptying needle integrated into the stopper, allowing for direct expulsion of the substance without the need for external syringe needles, and a device for convenient connection to the atmosphere to facilitate easy emptying, ensuring safety and simplicity during cryogenic storage and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an external syringe needle is used to empty the straw, then the substance can be expelled, but the handling becomes complex and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The emptying needle is permanently integrated into the stopper structure, merging two previously separate components (stopper and emptying needle) into a single unified device. This eliminates the need for separate external syringe needles and reduces handling complexity while maintaining the ability to expel the substance.
Solution Approach 2:
The straw contains its own emptying needle as an inherent component, allowing it to perform the emptying function without requiring external equipment. The device serves itself by having the necessary tool (needle) already positioned and ready within its structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stopper is movable to allow substance introduction, then the straw can be filled, but additional equipment and complex handling are required for emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper and emptying needle are merged into a single integrated component. The stopper remains movable for filling operations, while the integrated needle provides the emptying capability, combining both functions in one device without requiring separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated stopper-needle assembly performs multiple functions: it seals the straw during storage, allows substance introduction when moved, and enables substance expulsion through the integrated needle. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate filling and emptying equipment.
3Ease of operation
If a built-in emptying needle is integrated into the stopper, then handling is simplified and safety is enhanced, but the stopper structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The emptying needle is permanently integrated into the stopper structure, merging two previously separate components (stopper and emptying needle) into a single unified device. This eliminates the need for separate external syringe needles and reduces handling complexity while maintaining the ability to expel the substance.
4Reliability
If the needle is permanently fastened to the stopper, then the insert is entirely disposed in the tube improving safety, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The emptying needle is permanently integrated into the stopper structure, merging two previously separate components (stopper and emptying needle) into a single unified device. This eliminates the need for separate external syringe needles and reduces handling complexity while maintaining the ability to expel the substance.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle is pre-integrated into the stopper during manufacturing, so that when the insert is placed in the tube, the needle is already in its final position. This preliminary integration simplifies the overall assembly process and ensures proper positioning without requiring complex assembly steps.
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 integrated emptying needle simplifies the preservation and dispensing process, minimizing substance stress and enhancing user safety, while the device for atmospheric connection allows for easy and reliable emptying without manual intervention, particularly beneficial for biological substances.
Implementation Method 1
formed by two plugs made from a fibrous substance enclosing a powder which, on contact with a liquid, transforms into an impermeable paste or gel
Implementation Method 2
The straw and in particular the material of the tube are provided such that this cold storage can be implemented by plunging the straw into a liquid cryogenic agent such as liquid nitrogen
Implementation Method 3
there is inserted into the tube by the end closest to the stopper a rod which comes to bear against the stopper. Using this rod, the stopper is made to slide in the manner of a piston towards the end furthest from the stopper
Data Source
AI summary
A straw includes a tube (11), a stopper (13) arranged in the tube and having a passage (35) extending through it, and an emptying needle (14) having a first portion (31) protruding from the stopper as far as a distal end (19) situated in the tube, and a second portion (32) situated in the passage (35) of the stopper, the needle and the stopper forming an insert (12) entirely disposed in the tube and having an internal conduit (24) fluidically connecting the internal spaces of the tube that are situated to either side of the insert, the internal conduit being formed at least in part by the needle. A method for emptying the straw includes establishing a fluidic communication between the needle and a receptacle, and making an opening in the tube in order to connect the dose of liquid-based substance to the atmosphere and allow it to flow.