Cryogenic Vial Sleeve with Locking Feature for Accurate Labeling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic vials often become mislabeled at cryogenic temperatures, making it difficult to correct inaccurate labels without thawing the vials, which would spoil the contents.
Innovation Solution
A vial sleeve system that allows for labeling or relabeling at ambient temperature, with a locking feature to secure the vial in place, enabling the use of a second label with correct indicia while maintaining the vial at cryogenic temperatures, and incorporating machine-readable coding for identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the vial is thawed to correct a mislabeled vial, then the label can be corrected, but the product inside the vial is spoiled
Solution Approach 1:
The labeling function is segmented from the vial itself and transferred to a removable sleeve. The sleeve contains the label while the vial maintains its cryogenic contents. This separation allows the label to be corrected without affecting the product integrity inside the vial.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary carrier between the vial and the label. Instead of adhering labels directly to the vial, the sleeve serves as an intermediate component that can be removed and replaced without thawing the vial, thus preventing product spoilage while enabling label corrections.
2Ease of manufacture
If a paper label is adhered to the vial at ambient temperature, then the label can be applied, but the vial must be thawed to correct it
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is prepared with the correct label adhered to it at ambient temperature before being placed on the cryogenic vial. This preliminary labeling action allows for easy initial application and subsequent corrections without requiring the vial to be thawed, significantly reducing relabeling time.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly labeling the vial, a sleeve containing a copy of the necessary indicia is used. This sleeve copy can be easily applied and corrected without affecting the vial, allowing for simple label application and quick corrections.
3Reliability
If the vial is maintained at cryogenic temperature, then the product is preserved, but the label cannot be corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The labeling function is segmented from the vial and placed on a removable sleeve. This allows the vial to remain at cryogenic temperature for product preservation while the sleeve can be easily removed and replaced for label corrections without thawing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is designed to be dynamically removable and replaceable on the vial. This dynamic characteristic enables easy label correction by simply removing the old sleeve and attaching a new one with the correct label, while the vial itself remains stationary at cryogenic temperature.
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
Enables accurate labeling and relabeling of cryogenic vials without thawing, ensuring product integrity and providing tamper evidence, while allowing machine-readable identification.
Implementation Method 1
the locking feature includes an annular detent extending radially inwardly from the central bore for frictionally engaging the annular projection of the vial
Data Source
AI summary
A vial sleeve for a cryogenic vial includes a cover portion including a side wall defining a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the vial, and a locking feature configured to operatively engage at least a portion of the vial for resisting movement of the vial relative to the vial sleeve. The vial sleeve may include a first label adhered to an exterior surface of the side wall and including a first set of indicia. The first set of indicia may be different from a second set of indicia included on a second label adhered to an exterior surface of the vial.