Inlet Conduit Pouch for Biologic Sample Viability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preserving and dispensing biologic materials, such as cells, face challenges in maintaining viability during cryopreservation, particularly in the intermediate temperature zone, and require separate counter samples for testing, which can lead to contamination and loss.

Innovation Solution

A device with a hollow body and inlet conduit that allows for the generation of a pilot sample pouch within the same storage chamber, ensuring the counter sample is subjected to the same conditions as the main sample, minimizing contamination and loss by integrating storage and dispensing functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate counter samples are stored in different locations, then the main sample can be stored in optimal conditions, but the counter sample may be contaminated or lost and requires separate manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviability of counter sampleVSAvoidcontamination and loss of counter sample
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the storage of the main liquid sample and the counter sample into a single integrated device. The inlet conduit is configured to receive both the main sample in the chamber and the counter sample in a pouch, eliminating the need for separate storage locations and reducing the risk of contamination or loss associated with handling separate samples.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The counter sample pouch is nested within the inlet conduit of the hollow body, which itself contains the main liquid sample chamber. This nested arrangement allows both samples to be stored together in a compact configuration, ensuring the counter sample remains protected and associated with the main sample throughout storage and dispensing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the inlet conduit is made closable in multiple axial positions, then counter samples can be generated within the same device, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to generate counter samplesVSAvoidcomplexity of inlet conduit
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inlet conduit is designed with dynamic closing capabilities at multiple axial positions, allowing it to transition between open and closed states at different locations. This dynamic behavior enables the formation of sealed pouches containing counter samples while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall device structure through controlled sealing actions rather than complex mechanical assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of stationary object

If counter samples are delocalized in the storage medium, then storage space is optimized, but it becomes difficult to use the correct counter sample for control and testing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage space utilizationVSAvoidease of using correct counter sample
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inlet conduit acts as an intermediary structure that organizes and positions the counter sample pouch within the device. This intermediary arrangement ensures the counter sample remains localized and easily accessible for control and testing operations, while still utilizing the storage space efficiently within the hollow body structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4331360A1Device and method for storing and dispensing a liquid sample
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 LEARTIKER SCOOP
  • EP4331360A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4331360A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4331360A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Device for storing and dispensing a liquid sample comprising a hollow body (8) comprising a chamber for storing the liquid sample and dispensing means for extracting the liquid sample from the chamber, wherein the device further comprises an inlet conduit (5) configured for introducing the liquid sample to the chamber, the inlet conduit (5) being configured to be closable in at least two axial positions (52, 51) in order to generate at least one pouch (53) in said inlet conduit for storing a pilot liquid sample. Method for storing and dispensing a liquid sample.