IVF Specimen Container with Segmented Rim and Sunken Base

Solution Overview

Problem

Current containers for IVF procedures face challenges in maintaining stable temperature control due to air gaps between the heated working surface and the specimen container, leading to inefficient heat transfer, and they lack effective identification methods, which can result in specimen mismatch during handling.

Innovation Solution

A polymer specimen container with an open hollow structure and ridges and recesses that ensures full contact with the heated surface, preventing distortion and allowing for improved temperature transfer, along with integrated identification means on the open wall structure to prevent scratching and ensure accurate specimen tracing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rim is added to elevate the bottom of the container, then the structural integrity is improved and scratching is prevented, but temperature control deteriorates due to air gaps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidtemperature control

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into two distinct functional parts: an elevated rim structure for mechanical protection and structural integrity, and a sunken bottom surface for optimal thermal contact with the heated stage. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the container are given different geometric properties tailored to their specific functions: the rim is elevated and reinforced for structural strength and scratching prevention, while the bottom surface is sunken and flat to maximize contact area with the heated stage for efficient temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If the bottom surface is lowered to contact the heated surface, then temperature control is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates and scratching risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into two distinct functional parts: an elevated rim structure for mechanical protection and structural integrity, and a sunken bottom surface for optimal thermal contact with the heated stage. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the container are given different geometric properties tailored to their specific functions: the rim is elevated and reinforced for structural strength and scratching prevention, while the bottom surface is sunken and flat to maximize contact area with the heated stage for efficient temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of information

If identification means is placed on the lid, then identification is possible, but specimen mismatch risk increases due to potential lid-dish mismatches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecimen identificationVSAvoidspecimen matching accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The identification means are integrated directly into the container body structure rather than being separate on the lid. This merging ensures that the identification is permanently associated with the specific container, eliminating the risk of lid-dish mismatches and ensuring reliable specimen tracking throughout the IVF procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 container achieves enhanced temperature control and visibility of specimens by maintaining close contact with the heated surface, reducing the risk of temperature fluctuations and specimen misidentification, while allowing for secure stacking and easy identification.

Implementation Method 1

said wall comprising an open hollow structure adapted to avoid twisting of said bottom base during the polymer specimen container production process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStructural stability:

Implementation Method 2

The container achieves enhanced temperature control and visibility of specimens by maintaining close contact with the heated surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11208623B2Container for culturing, micro manipulation and identification of small specimens

Publication Date: 2021.12.28 HERTART

AI summary

A disposable polymer container for manipulation of small specimens adapted to optimize heat transfer between an external heating element and specimens herein contained. In particular, this invention relates to the field of containers for Assisted Reproductive Technology hereunder In-vitro fertilization (IVF).