Folded Sheet Fluid-Impermeable Container for Biological Samples

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current packaging methods for biological samples are complex, expensive, and often fail to meet stringent regulations such as UN3373, posing health risks due to insufficient fluid impermeability and rigidity, especially for self-screening samples collected at home.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a fluid-impermeable container made from folded sheet material, with a recess for the sample, a transparent plastic film, and contactless printing for unique identifiers, providing both fluid impermeability and rigidity without the need for multiple packaging types, and designed for easy use and compliance with UN3373 regulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional multi-step packaging methods are used, then fluid impermeability and rigidity can be achieved, but the packaging becomes overly complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid impermeabilityVSAvoidpackaging complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple packaging functions into a single integrated container. The container integrates the primary receptacle, secondary fluid-impermeable packaging, and outer rigid packaging into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate polythene bags, rigid sleeves, and additional leak-proof containers while maintaining all required protective functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single container serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the receptacle holder, provides fluid impermeability through its material construction, offers rigid structural protection, and enables direct sealing of the biological sample. This multi-functional design replaces the traditional multi-component packaging system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple packaging components are used, then fluid impermeability is ensured, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid impermeabilityVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging all packaging functions into a single container, the user only needs to perform one sealing action instead of multiple sequential sealing steps. The container is designed to be opened and closed as a single unit, greatly simplifying the operation for users such as elderly individuals conducting self-screening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If additional interior packaging is added, then leak proof protection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak proof protectionVSAvoidpackaging structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for separate interior leak-proof packaging by integrating the fluid-impermeable function directly into the container structure. The container walls themselves provide the leak-proof barrier, removing the requirement for additional interior bags or containers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If conventional packaging materials are used, then fluid impermeability can be achieved, but rigidity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid impermeabilityVSAvoidrigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The container is constructed from composite materials that simultaneously provide fluid impermeability and rigid structural strength. This allows the single container to fulfill both the leak-proof requirement and the outer rigid packaging requirement without needing separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3003559B1Method for manufacturing a fluid-impermeable container for transporting a biological sample
Publication Date: 2019.04.17 MAST GROUP LTD
  • EP3003559B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3003559B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3003559B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A fluid impermeable container for transporting a biological sample, the container comprising folded sheet material having a fluid impermeable first layer and a rigid second layer, the folded sheet material defining a base, enclosing side walls, an upper wall, and a container closing member, the upper wall being configured to define an opening to a recess for receiving a receptacle containing a biological sample to be transported, in which the recess is sealingly enclosed by the container closing member when the container Is in a closed configuration.