Pierceable Cap Venting Structure for Aerosol-Free Sample Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing caps for biological and chemical specimens are prone to leakage and contamination during transport and analysis, leading to cross-contamination and false positive results, especially in nucleic acid detection, due to the formation of aerosols and direct contact with specimen residue.
Innovation Solution
A pierceable cap with a frangible layer and extensions that allow for controlled venting to prevent aerosol formation and contamination, featuring a shell, lower and upper frangible layers, and extensions that breach the lower layer upon pressure application, creating airways for air displacement without expelling specimen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a substantially leak-proof seal is formed between the cap and vessel, then specimen leakage is prevented during transport, but aerosol formation and contamination occur when the cap is physically removed from the vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful function of cap removal by introducing a pierceable membrane that allows transfer device access without requiring cap removal. The membrane is selectively breached only by the transfer device tip, leaving the cap sealed on the vessel, thus eliminating aerosol formation associated with cap removal while maintaining specimen access capability
Solution Approach 2:
The pierceable membrane serves as an intermediary between the sealed cap system and the transfer device. It allows controlled passage of the transfer device tip while maintaining the integrity of the cap-vessel seal, thereby preventing aerosol formation and contamination that would otherwise occur during cap removal
2Reliability
If traditional screw caps are used to prevent leakage, then specimen containment is improved, but labor-intensive manual removal is required and cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pierceable membrane enables the system to serve itself by allowing automated transfer devices to access the specimen through the intact cap without human intervention for cap removal. The membrane automatically breaches upon device insertion and can reseal upon device removal, eliminating manual operations and reducing cross-contamination risk
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical screw-cap removal system with a pierceable membrane system that allows automated penetration by transfer devices. This substitution eliminates the need for manual unscrewing operations and enables integration with automated liquid handling systems, improving ease of operation while maintaining containment
3Ease of operation
If the cap is pierced to allow specimen access, then sample transfer is enabled, but aerosol formation and contamination of the environment occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pierceable membrane introduces local quality by creating a localized breach point that is precisely controlled by the transfer device tip geometry. The breach occurs only at the specific location where the device tip contacts the membrane, allowing controlled specimen access while minimizing aerosol formation compared to general cap removal or piercing methods
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 pierceable cap minimizes contamination by reducing aerosol formation and direct contact, ensuring accurate sample transfer and reducing the risk of cross-contamination in automated and manual applications.
Implementation Method 1
upon application of pressure from the transfer device, the one or more extensions move and pierce the lower frangible layer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for penetrating a pierceable cap (11) on a vessel (21). The pierceable cap (11) prevents escape of sample specimens from the vessel (21) before transfer with a transfer device (43). The pierceable cap (11) may fit over a vessel (21). An access port in the shell of the pierceable cap (11) may allow passage of a transfer device (43) through the pierceable cap (11). At least one frangible layer (215, 216) may be configured with cross slits (506) in a particular cross slit geometry. The cross slits (506) may contain an openable portion (644) or be covered by a thin membrane (645). The shell (610) and frangible layer(s) (215, 216) may be integrated into a one piece cap (601), or be separate components (634). The membrane on which the cross slits 506 are placed can be flat or contoured to guide the transfer device (43) to the cross slits (506). The flat surfaces are supported by rib structures (620, 621) that extend radially inward and downward into the vessel (21).