Cryogenic Sample Tag Attachment for Non-Adhesive FEP Bag Labeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic storage bags made from fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) resist adhesion, making it difficult to securely attach adhesive labels, which is crucial for maintaining sample identification and compliance with regulatory standards, especially at cryogenic temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An identification tag with a retention portion and tether portion, formed from multiple layers with specific sealed and unsealed regions, allows secure attachment to cryogenic storage bags without adhesives, ensuring flexibility and strength to prevent damage during handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive labels are used to identify cryogenic samples, then sample identification is maintained, but the labels cannot be reliably adhered to FEP storage bags at cryogenic temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification tag system that does not rely on adhesive labels directly on the FEP bag. Instead, it uses a mechanical attachment system where the tag is threaded through the bag closure and secured with a retention portion, eliminating the need for adhesive while maintaining reliable identification on FEP storage bags
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the adhesive-based mechanical system with a mechanical fastening system. The identification tag uses a tether portion threaded through the bag closure and a retention portion that secures the tag mechanically, substituting chemical adhesion with mechanical retention that functions reliably at cryogenic temperatures
2Strength
If EVA is used for cryogenic storage bags, then flexibility is maintained, but the bags become more brittle and prone to damage at cryogenic temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the storage bag from EVA to FEP, which maintains flexibility at cryogenic temperatures while improving damage resistance. The identification tag system is also designed to accommodate the different material properties of FEP, ensuring compatibility
3Loss of information
If adhesive labels are used on cryogenic storage bags, then sample identification is preserved, but the labels separate from the bag during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification tag that mechanically attaches to the bag closure rather than using adhesive labels on the bag surface. This intermediary system ensures identification is preserved while eliminating separation issues during handling
Solution Approach 2:
The identification tag is attached to the bag closure before the bag is sealed and placed in storage. The tether portion is threaded through the closure and the retention portion secures it in place beforehand, ensuring the identification remains attached throughout subsequent handling and storage operations
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for identifying a cryogenic sample. An identification tag for cryogenic storage includes an identification portion, a retention portion, and the tether portion. The identification portion defines a retention opening a label opening that is sized to receive a label. The retention portion is sized to be received by the retention opening and at least partially occlude the label opening. The tether portion extends between the identification portion and the retention portion. The tether portion is threaded through a portion of a cryogenic storage container and the retention portion is received by the retention opening to couple the identification tag to the cryogenic storage container.