Protective Cover Composition for Flexible Cryogenic Vial Caps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing caps for vials fail to maintain flexibility and prevent brittleness at low temperatures, especially when storing medicines at −85°C.
Innovation Solution
A protective cover composition using a styrene-based block copolymer with a styrene monomer content ratio of 10 to 60% by mass, combined with an olefin-based resin and a lubricant, to form a cap that maintains flexibility and reduces brittleness at low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional materials (L-LDPE for protective cover, PP for cap body) are used, then ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness are improved, but brittleness increases at low temperatures (−85°C)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system consisting of a styrene-based block copolymer (10-60 mass%) as the base resin, combined with an olefin-based resin (20-80 mass%) and optionally a rubber component (5-50 mass%). This composite formulation creates a protective cover that maintains flexibility at low temperatures while remaining manufacturable. The styrene-based block copolymer provides low-temperature flexibility through its glass transition temperature characteristics, while the olefin-based resin contributes to processability and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the protective cover material by specifying precise ranges: styrene-based block copolymer content of 10-60 mass%, olefin-based resin content of 20-80 mass%, and optional rubber content of 5-50 mass%. These parameter adjustments optimize the balance between low-temperature flexibility and ease of manufacture. The glass transition temperature of the styrene-based block copolymer is specifically controlled to ensure flexibility at −85°C while maintaining manufacturability.
2Reliability
If the protective cover is made more flexible for low-temperature use, then low-temperature performance is improved, but the protective cover becomes harder to attach and detach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating a rubber component (5-50 mass%) that provides elasticity and grip specifically at the interface between the protective cover and cap body. This rubber layer is concentrated where it is most needed - at the attachment interface - providing sufficient friction for secure attachment while allowing easy manual detachment. The bulk of the protective cover maintains the flexibility needed for low-temperature operation without excessive softness that would hinder attachment.
3Reliability
If a styrene-based block copolymer with 10-60% styrene content is used, then low-temperature brittleness is reduced, but material selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an olefin-based resin as an intermediary material that simplifies the overall formulation. The olefin-based resin serves as a processable matrix that accommodates the styrene-based block copolymer, making the material easier to manufacture while maintaining the low-temperature flexibility provided by the styrene component. This intermediary approach allows the patent to achieve low-temperature non-brittleness without requiring pure styrene-based polymers that would be difficult to process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides, for example, a protective cover composition used for preparing a cap, the cap including a cap body and a protective cover. The protective cover composition is used for preparing the protective cover, includes a styrene-based block copolymer including a styrene monomer as a constituent unit. A content ratio of the styrene monomer is 10 to 60% by mass.