Induction Seal Piercing for Diagnostic Analyzer Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In diagnostic analyzers, manual removal of caps and peeling of induction-sealed membranes is time-consuming and prone to cross-contamination and spillage, especially in high-throughput automated processes.
Innovation Solution
A removable cap with a top hole and an induction seal comprising a first polymer layer, an aluminum foil layer, and a second polymer layer, which can be opened by a perforation device without removing the cap, allowing automated access to the container contents while maintaining a leak-proof seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual removal of cap and peeling of induction-sealed membrane is used, then access to container contents is achieved, but operator time is consumed and cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated access to container contents through a probe that automatically pierces the induction seal membrane and removes the cap, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. The automated mechanism performs the opening function itself, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of cap removal and seal peeling is replaced by an automated piercing mechanism that uses a probe to penetrate the induction seal and mechanically remove the cap through automated sequences, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with automated ones.
2Ease of operation
If manual removal of cap and peeling of induction-sealed membrane is used, then access to container contents is achieved, but cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated piercing and cap removal system performs the opening function without manual contact, allowing the system itself to execute the access operation. This eliminates operator contact with the container contents and seal membrane, thereby preventing cross-contamination while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated piercing probe acts as an intermediary between the operator and the container contents, performing the opening function without direct human contact. This intermediary mechanism prevents cross-contamination by eliminating the need for operators to manually handle the seal or container contents.
3Extent of automation
If induction seal is made pierceable, then automated access is enabled, but seal integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The induction seal is pre-configured with a perforation layer that is designed to be pierced by the automated probe. This preliminary design allows the seal to maintain its integrity during storage and handling while enabling controlled automated access when needed, resolving the contradiction between automation and seal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction seal incorporates a localized perforation layer with specific properties that differ from the rest of the seal structure. This local quality change allows the seal to be pierced easily by the automated probe at the perforation site while maintaining overall seal integrity and leak-proof properties in the surrounding areas.
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
This solution eliminates the need for manual cap removal and seal peeling, reducing operator time and contamination risks, ensuring reliable and efficient access to container contents in automated systems.
Implementation Method 1
an aluminum foil layer arranged on top of the first polymer sealing layer and configured to heat seal the first polymer sealing layer by inductive heating to the outer surface of the opening of the throat of the reagent container
Implementation Method 2
A bottom polymer layer is sealed to an opening of the container by inductive heating of the aluminum foil layer, thereby melting and bonding the bottom polymer layer to the container
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to a removable cap with a top hole and a seal with a heat induction closure for sealing an opening of a container. Advantageously, the cap and the seal do not need to be removed for a probe to access contents of the container, when used in a diagnostic analyzer, thereby eliminating operator steps of cap removal and seal peeling/perforation. Automated opening of the cap and seal combination is provided by puncturing the seal. The seal retains its opened shape required for unobstructed, non-contact probe access to contents of the container. The seal is comprised of three layers: a first polymer sealing layer capable of being heat-sealed to a container; an aluminum foil layer on top of the first polymer sealing layer, configured to heat seal the first layer by inductive heating; and a second polymer layer on top of the aluminum foil layer for protection.