Multi-Width Elastomeric Septum for Fluid-Tight Resealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing septa technologies face challenges in providing a reliable, contamination-free seal for oxygen- and moisture-sensitive materials and hazardous substances, particularly in ensuring secure resealing after puncture and ease of replacement.
Innovation Solution
A septum design featuring multiple portions with varying widths and thicknesses, made of elastomeric material, including a resiliently deformable first portion for insertion, a compressible second portion for secure engagement, and a third portion for forming a tight seal, optionally with a chemically inert fourth portion to prevent contamination, allowing for repeated puncture and resealing without substantial leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional single-width septum is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the seal reliability and ease of replacement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The septum is divided into three distinct portions with different widths: a first portion (narrowest) for insertion through the opening, a second portion (intermediate width) for engagement within the opening, and a third portion (widest) for sealing against the vessel. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally, improving seal reliability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through a single molded structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each portion of the septum has locally optimized properties: the first portion has a width optimized for passing through the opening, the second portion has a width optimized for secure engagement, and the third portion has a width optimized for forming a tight seal. This local quality approach ensures that each region of the septum has the appropriate characteristics for its specific function, enhancing overall reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a septum with optimized multi-portion structure is used, then seal reliability and ease of replacement are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented structure with three distinct width portions enables easy replacement by allowing the septum to be cleanly inserted through the opening (first portion), securely retained (second portion), and easily removed when needed. The clear functional separation between portions makes the replacement process intuitive and straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The septum design incorporates dynamic characteristics where the different width portions interact with the cap and vessel opening during insertion and removal. The narrowing profile allows the septum to flex and compress during insertion, then expand to engage securely, and can be easily withdrawn by reversing the insertion motion, facilitating easy replacement operations.
3Reliability
If the second portion thickness is increased to match or exceed cap thickness, then secure engagement is achieved, but material usage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second portion's thickness is locally optimized to match or slightly exceed the cap thickness only at the engagement zone, ensuring secure retention without unnecessarily increasing material usage throughout the entire septum. This localized thickness optimization provides adequate engagement security while minimizing material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The design optimizes the thickness parameter of the second portion specifically for engagement security, making it substantially equal to or greater than the cap thickness only where needed for secure retention. This parameter optimization balances engagement reliability with material efficiency, avoiding excessive material usage while ensuring the septum remains securely engaged during use.
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 septum system effectively prevents contamination and accidental spillage by creating a fluid-tight seal, allowing for easy material transfer and replacement, while maintaining chemical stability and reducing material costs through optimized structural features.
Implementation Method 1
When a septum is punctured, for example, by a needle, compressed elastomeric material can create a seal around the needle
Implementation Method 2
When the needle is withdrawn from the septum, the compressed material forces the puncture closed and reseals the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a cap having an opening, and a septum configured to engage with the cap. The septum includes a first portion having a first width, and a second portion having a second width smaller than the first width. The second portion is sized and shaped to be received by the opening of the cap.