Elastic Septum Cover with Offset Slit for Carryover-Free Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid sample collection methods in sample containers, such as vials and microplates, suffer from pressure imbalances and carryover issues due to the design of conventional septums, leading to inaccurate sample measurements.
Innovation Solution
A cover member made of an elastic material with slits in a predetermined area different from the insertion point of the sampling needle, allowing communication between the inner and outer spaces of the container and ensuring complete removal of sample residue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a septum with a slit in its central portion is used to prevent pressure increase, then pressure stability is improved, but liquid sample residue remains on the sampling needle outer surface causing carryover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the slit at a specific location (peripheral area) rather than the center, creating different functional zones: the central area maintains sealing for pressure stability, while the peripheral slit area provides pressure relief without interfering with needle insertion and withdrawal paths, thereby eliminating carryover while maintaining pressure stability
2Stress or pressure
If the slit is positioned in the central portion of the septum, then pressure communication is achieved, but the sampling needle cannot be properly inserted and withdrawn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by placing the slit in the peripheral area rather than the central position, creating an asymmetric configuration that allows the sampling needle to pass through the central sealed area without interference while still enabling pressure communication through the peripherally positioned slit
3Reliability
If a septum without a slit is used to maintain sealing, then complete wipe-off of liquid sample is achieved, but pressure increase occurs during sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the septum into functionally distinct zones: a central sealed area for maintaining pressure and a peripheral slit area for pressure relief, allowing both sealing functionality and pressure communication to coexist simultaneously
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
Prevents pressure imbalances and carryover, enabling accurate liquid sample collection by maintaining container pressure stability and wiping off sample residue effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the cover member is made of an elastic sheet material and has a slit in an area different from a predetermined area through which a sample-collecting tool for collecting the liquid sample is to be inserted
Implementation Method 2
since the slit is located within an area different from the area through which a sample-collecting tool is expected to be inserted, the cover member can completely wipe off the liquid sample adhered to the outer circumferential surface of the sample-collecting tool when this tool is pulled out
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cover member (33, 36, 50) for covering an opening of a sample container in which a liquid sample is to be contained. To accurately collect the liquid sample contained in the sample container while preventing a carryover, the cover member is made of an elastic sheet material and has a slit (331, 361, 511) in an area different from a predetermined area through which a sample-collecting tool for collecting the liquid sample is to be inserted. This cover member can be suitably used as a septum configured to cover an opening of a vial, or as a sheet configured to cover openings of a plurality of wells provided on a microplate.