Drug Vial Labeling Shell for Cryogenic Label Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drug vials face issues with label adhesion at cryogenic temperatures, leading to condensation and compromised bonding, along with handling difficulties and potential impact damage during labeling and storage.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric labeling shell is designed to accommodate drug vials, featuring a tubular body and cap to maintain vial integrity, minimize handling risks, and facilitate easy labeling without removing vials from cold storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If drug vials are removed from cold storage for labeling, then labels can be applied, but condensation forms on the vial surface compromising label adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a labeling shell as an intermediary component that fits over the drug vial. This shell provides a separate labeling surface, allowing labels to be applied to the shell rather than directly to the cold vial surface, thereby eliminating condensation issues while maintaining proper cold storage conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The labeling shell separates the labeling function from the vial itself by creating a distinct outer shell structure. This segmentation allows the vial to remain in cold storage while the shell serves as the labeling substrate, resolving the conflict between label application needs and cold storage requirements
2Ease of manufacture
If drug vials are removed from cold storage for labeling, then labels can be applied, but the time out of refrigeration increases potentially affecting drug viability
Solution Approach 1:
The labeling shell enables label application without removing the vial from cold storage, as the shell can be attached or used as a separate component. This intermediary approach eliminates the time loss associated with taking vials out of refrigeration while still allowing proper labeling to occur
3Object-affected harmful factors
If protective gloves are used to handle cryogenic vials, then safety is improved, but handling becomes awkward increasing mishandling risks
Solution Approach 1:
The labeling shell acts as an intermediary that can be handled without direct glove contact with the cold vial, or provides a larger, easier-to-grasp outer structure. This improves ease of operation while maintaining safety by reducing the dexterity requirements for handling cryogenic containers
4Ease of operation
If drug vials are directly handled, then ease of operation is improved, but impact damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The labeling shell provides a protective outer layer that cushions the fragile glass vial against impact damage. This shell acts as a pre-applied protective barrier that maintains ease of handling while significantly reducing the risk of impact damage to the underlying vial
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the subject invention, a labeling shell is provided for a drug vial having a glass reservoir and an opening sealed by an elastomeric stopper, the labeling shell including: a polymeric tubular body formed to accommodate the reservoir of the drug vial, the tubular body having a first open end defining a first opening smaller than a diameter of the reservoir of the drug vial so as to prevent passage therethrough of the reservoir, wherein the elastomeric stopper is exposed through the first end with the reservoir being accommodated in the tubular body; and, a polymeric cap removably mountable to the tubular body to selectively cover the elastomeric stopper of the drug vial with the reservoir being accommodated in the tubular body. Advantageously, the subject invention provides a labeling surface for a drug vial, while also providing restricted access to the drug vial to limit tampering therewith.