Integrated Lid Cutter for Sample Carrier Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for processing sample carriers, such as swabs, require complex operations for severing and sealing, which complicates their use in automated environments and increases the risk of contamination.
Innovation Solution
A device that combines a cutter with a lid to make an incision in the sample carrier during a single closing motion, allowing for both incision and sealing, thereby simplifying the process and reducing the risk of contamination by ensuring the sample material is always controlled within the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate operations are used for severing the sample carrier and sealing the opening, then the cutting and sealing functions can be performed independently, but the device complexity and number of操作步骤 increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cutter and lid into a single integrated component where the lid serves dual functions: sealing the opening and performing the cutting action through its cutting edge. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate sealing and cutting operations, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable sealing through the lid's closure action.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides sealing capability (by closing the opening) and cutting capability (through the integrated cutter with cutting edge). This universal component performs multiple tasks in a single operation, simplifying the overall device operation while ensuring reliable sealing function.
2Reliability
If multiple separate steps are required for cutting and sealing, then each function can be optimized independently, but the time required and risk of contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the sealing and cutting functions into a single lid component and single operation, the patent eliminates the time gap between sealing and cutting that would otherwise exist. The lid closes the opening and performs cutting in one continuous motion, reducing the time required and minimizing the window during which contamination could occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is positioned and configured in advance with the cutting edge ready to engage the sample carrier. When the lid is closed, the cutting action occurs automatically as part of the closing motion, eliminating the need for a separate subsequent cutting step and reducing overall operation time while maintaining contamination control.
3Ease of manufacture
If a complex multi-step process is used, then thorough processing can be achieved, but the ease of operation and automation integration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lid's multi-functional design allows a single manipulation action (closing the lid) to accomplish both sealing and cutting tasks that would otherwise require multiple separate operations. This simplifies user manipulation and reduces the number of interaction points needed for automation, while still achieving complete processing of the sample carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining multiple processing functions into one integrated lid component and single operation, the patent reduces the complexity of manipulation required from the user and simplifies automation integration, while maintaining thorough processing of the sample carrier through the combined sealing and cutting actions.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2~3a
Figure 3b~3c
AI summary
The idea relates to a device for receiving a sample carrier (5), the device comprising an opening (10) for receiving part of the sample carrier (5) and a cutter for removing a part of the sample carrier (5) extending from the opening(10). The cutter is coupled to a lid (25), the lid (25) being movable for allowing the cutter to make an incision in the sample carrier (5) and, at the same time, closing at least part of the opening (10) left open after receipt of the sample carrier (5).The disclosure further relates to a system comprising such a device and a method for operating such a device.