Fluorescent Closure for Automated Sample Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional biological sample collection containers with color-coded caps face challenges in accurate identification due to subtle color variations, leading to incorrect testing procedures and instrument incompatibility, especially in automated processing systems.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating fluorescent compounds on the container or closure, which can be detected using a fluorescence detection station to identify the contents and intended testing procedure, providing a more accurate and automated method for sample handling and processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If color-coded caps are used to identify sample containers, then visual identification is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to subtle color variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual identificationVSAvoidcolor discrimination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies fluorescent compounds that emit specific wavelengths of light when excited, replacing traditional color-coding. This allows automated systems to detect samples based on fluorescent emission spectra rather than subtle color variations, fundamentally changing the identification mechanism from passive color reflection to active fluorescent emission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces visual color discrimination (optical detection of reflected light) with fluorescent detection (optical detection of emitted light). This substitution enables automated processing systems to accurately identify sample types through spectral analysis of fluorescent emissions, eliminating the precision problems associated with human or machine color differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of color variations is increased to identify different testing procedures, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in distinguishing similar hues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting procedure identificationVSAvoidhue discrimination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses fluorescent compounds with distinct emission spectra to identify different testing procedures. Each fluorescent compound or combination emits light at characteristic wavelengths when excited, providing a precise spectral fingerprint that enables automated systems to differentiate between multiple sample types and intended tests without relying on subtle color variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Extent of automation

If optical vision inspection systems are used to detect closures, then automation is improved, but reliability deteriorates when closure coloration interferes with detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic decappingVSAvoidclosure detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces color-based optical detection with fluorescent detection. Automated systems use excitation light sources to stimulate fluorescent compounds on closures, then detect the emitted fluorescent light. This substitution eliminates interference from closure coloration, material composition, and lighting conditions, providing reliable automated detection and triggering of decapping operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 use of fluorescent compounds enables consistent and accurate identification of sample containers, reducing errors in testing procedures and ensuring compatibility with automated processing systems.

Implementation Method 1

one or more fluorescent compounds, wherein the one or more fluorescent compounds are disposed on the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS20230234066A1Container Assembly and System for Detection Thereof

Publication Date: 2023.07.27 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

AI summary

A closure and a container assembly are disclosed. The closure includes a first visual identifier and a second visual identifier, wherein the second visual identifier is different from the first visual identifier. The first visual identifier may be a first color, and the second visual identifier may be a second color. At least one of the first and/or second visual identifier may include a fluorescent compound having a characteristic fluorescent spectra. The first visual identifier and the second visual identifier may be provided on the annular skirt of the closure. The fluorescent compound may be provided on at least one of the closure and the container assembly and can be used to facilitate automated visualization of the fluorescent compound under fluorescence excitation light.