Two-Part Cylindrical Closure With Wiper Seals For Sample Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample collection devices are prone to contamination and leakage, especially when used by untrained individuals, due to the need for manual handling and the risk of stopper removal and reinsertion, which can lead to cross-contamination and inaccurate results in nucleic acid analysis.
Innovation Solution
A closure system for containers featuring a two-part cylindrical design with inwardly extending threads and wiper seals to create a fluid-tight seal, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of sample collection devices without direct contact, reducing the risk of contamination and leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stopper is used to seal the container, then the sample can be sealed and stored, but the stopper may become dislodged or leak during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into two separate cylindrical portions that can be independently attached to the container. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its sealing function independently, reducing the risk that failure of one portion will compromise the entire seal. The first portion seals the container opening while the second portion seals the connector opening, creating redundant sealing points.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is inserted through the closure wall, with the shaft extending into the container interior. This nested arrangement creates multiple levels of containment where the connector is protected by the closure portions, and the sample is protected by the connector structure, providing mechanical stability and preventing dislodgement during transport.
2Ease of operation
If the stopper is removed to apply the sample collection device, then the sample can be collected, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first cylindrical portion of the closure is pre-attached to the container before sample collection begins. This preliminary sealing action creates a controlled environment that prevents contamination during subsequent steps. The connector is also pre-positioned through the closure wall, ready to receive the shaft without requiring removal of the closure components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary structure that bridges the closure and the shaft. It provides a controlled interface through which the shaft can be inserted and sealed, eliminating the need to remove the closure components. This intermediary structure maintains the seal integrity while allowing sample collection device access.
3Reliability
If the sample collection device is deposited in the tube, then the sample is contained, but cross-contamination risk increases due to user handling
Solution Approach 1:
The closure portions, connector, and shaft are combined into an integrated assembly where the shaft is retained within the connector. This merging of components creates a unified structure that eliminates the need for separate handling of the sample collection device and container. The user handles the integrated assembly as one unit, reducing opportunities for cross-contamination during transfer and containment operations.
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 closure system provides a secure, leak-proof seal that minimizes contamination and simplifies the sample collection process, even for untrained users, while maintaining the integrity of biological samples for analysis.
Implementation Method 1
wiper seals to create a fluid-tight seal
Data Source
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AI summary
A closure for a container has a closure body having a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion opposite the first portion. The closure also has a connector disposed in at least one of the first and second portions. The connector is adapted to connect one of a sample collection device and an applicator to the closure. A containing apparatus including the closure, a container, and optionally one of a sample collection device and an applicator is also disclosed. A method of using the containing apparatus is also disclosed.