Flexible Bottom Vial Assemblies for Frozen Sample Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cryopreserved biological samples face contamination and damage risks due to vial leakage and thawing processes, making it difficult to remove frozen samples without compromising their integrity.

Innovation Solution

The development of vial assemblies with a tubular body and a flexible bottom or liner that can be compressed using flanges to facilitate the removal of frozen samples without thawing, providing enhanced grip and consistency in sample handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If samples are thawed prior to removal from vials, then ease of removal is improved, but sample contamination and damage risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removalVSAvoidsample contamination and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the sample by keeping it frozen during removal. The flexible bottom mechanism allows the frozen sample to be discharged without thawing, maintaining sample integrity while enabling removal through mechanical deformation of the vial bottom rather than thermal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the thermal mechanism (thawing) with a mechanical mechanism (flexible bottom deformation). The flexible bottom acts as a mechanical ejector that pushes the frozen sample out of the vial through direct mechanical force, eliminating the need for thermal processing and associated contamination risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If frozen samples are removed without thawing, then sample contamination and damage risks are reduced, but difficulty in gripping and exerting force on samples increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample contamination and damageVSAvoiddifficulty in gripping and exerting force

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible bottom serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the frozen sample. Instead of directly gripping the slippery frozen sample, the user deforms the flexible bottom which then transmits force to push the sample out. This intermediary approach solves the gripping difficulty while maintaining sample integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible bottom mechanism allows the system to serve itself by using the vial's own structure to eject the sample. The deformation of the flexible bottom creates an internal pushing force that automatically discharges the frozen sample without requiring external gripping or handling of the sample itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If rigid vial bottoms are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but ability to apply pressure to discharge frozen samples is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidability to apply pressure to discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making only the bottom portion of the vial flexible while keeping the rest of the vial structure rigid. This localized flexibility allows the bottom to deform under applied force to discharge the sample, while the main body maintains structural integrity for containing and protecting the sample during storage and handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the vial bottom by making it flexible rather than rigid. The bottom can dynamically deform in response to applied force during sample discharge, then return to its original shape for subsequent storage. This dynamic behavior enables the vial to adapt between two functional states: rigid for storage integrity and flexible for sample ejection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 the easy and consistent removal of frozen samples from vials, reducing contamination and damage risks while maintaining sample integrity, thereby improving handling efficiency and reducing variability.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible bottom comprising a second elastomeric material overmolded on an interior surface of the tube wall proximate the first end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3376860B1Cryopreservation devices

Publication Date: 2023.07.12 CORNING INC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

Vial assemblies comprising a tubular body and a flexible bottom or flexible liner are described herein, wherein the flexible bottom or liner is configured to compress at least partially upon the application of force. Methods for storing and removing frozen samples from such vial assemblies are also described herein.