Glass Inner Container With Shatter-Resistant Outer Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic blood collection tubes pose health risks due to additive leaching and contamination, while glass tubes are prone to breakage, necessitating a safer, durable solution for storing and processing biological samples.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a glass inner container housed in a shatter-resistant outer protective body, with a vacuum seal lid to prevent contamination and breakage, allowing for secure storage and processing of samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glass test tubes are used, then sample purity and clotting promotion are improved, but breakage risk and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where a glass inner container (maintaining sample purity and clotting promotion) is placed inside a shatter-resistant outer protective body. This nested configuration allows the glass tube to function optimally while being protected by the outer body against breakage, thus resolving the contradiction between sample purity and breakage resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The shatter-resistant outer protective body acts as an intermediary between the glass inner container and the external environment. It mediates the conflict by providing mechanical protection to the glass tube, preventing breakage while allowing the glass to maintain its chemical properties for sample purity and clotting promotion
2Strength
If plastic test tubes are used, then breakage resistance is improved, but additive leaching and sample contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the container system into two distinct parts: an inner glass container that contacts the sample (avoiding additive leaching) and an outer plastic protective body that provides breakage resistance. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function without the harmful effects of the other
Solution Approach 2:
The glass inner container serves as an intermediary barrier between the sample and the plastic outer body. It prevents direct contact between the sample and plastic additives, thereby eliminating additive leaching while still allowing the plastic outer body to provide breakage resistance
3Productivity
If glass tubes with clotting additives are used, then serum retrieval efficiency is improved, but exposure to harmful substances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable sterile barrier (the glass inner container with its lid) that is discarded after single use. This disposable approach eliminates the need for repeated exposure to clotting additives, as each new device provides a fresh, additive-free surface for blood collection, thereby maintaining serum retrieval efficiency while reducing cumulative additive exposure
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
Provides a cost-effective, durable solution for storing and processing biological samples that minimizes exposure to harmful additives and breakage, while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum seal lid to prevent contamination and breakage
Data Source
AI summary
A device for protecting an inner container and the sample or contents in the inner container. The device for protecting an inner container and sample includes an inner container and an outer protective body. The inner container can receive a sample for applications such as biomedical, health care, dentistry, agricultural, industrial, and veterinary. The inner container can be received into the outer protective body for protection. A lid secures over the inner container forming a seal to prevent leakage and contamination of the sample or inner container contents. The outer protective body is breakage-resistant for protection if the apparatus is dropped.