Pierceable Closure for Biological Sample Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capping and uncapping of containers with biological samples is a repetitive, time-consuming task that exposes analytical chemists to biohazards and risks injury, and existing pierceable caps can damage sampling devices and interfere with sampling activities.
Innovation Solution
A closure system for containers featuring a cap with a resilient polymeric material, an elastomeric exterior seal, and a rupturable interior seal made of metallic foil and heat sealable adhesive, allowing sampling devices to access the contents without creating a vacuum or damaging the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pierceable cap with elastomeric material is used to form a tight seal, then the seal integrity is improved, but the sampling device tip may be damaged during puncturing
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into two separate sealing components: an elastomeric seal for maintaining integrity and a frangible seal for easy puncturing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the other - the elastomeric material provides the tight seal while the frangible layer provides a safe puncturing surface that won't damage the sampling device tip.
2Extent of automation
If a frangible seal is used that can be pierced by a pipette tip, then automated sampling is enabled, but a vacuum may be created that interferes with sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into an elastomeric seal and a frangible seal layer. The frangible layer is designed to puncture easily to enable automated sampling, while the underlying elastomeric seal maintains system integrity. The punctured frangible layer creates a controlled opening that prevents vacuum formation, allowing smooth sampling operation without interference.
3Productivity
If the cap is designed to be pierceable for automated sampling, then time-consuming manual capping is eliminated, but the residue of the pierced cap may bind with the sampling device
Solution Approach 1:
The closure uses a frangible seal layer that is designed to puncture and then separate cleanly from the sampling device. This frangible layer acts as a sacrificial component that breaks away during the sampling process, preventing residue binding. The segmentation allows the seal to perform its function while eliminating the binding issue that would otherwise reduce ease of operation.
4Reliability
If manual capping and uncapping is performed, then sample tubes can be sealed securely, but analytical chemists are exposed to biohazards and risk injury
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is designed to be self-activating during the sampling process. The frangible seal automatically punctures when the sampling device is inserted, eliminating the need for manual capping or uncapping operations. This self-service mechanism maintains secure sealing while removing human exposure to biohazards and injury risks associated with manual handling.
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
Facilitates automated sampling operations, reduces biohazard exposure, saves time, prevents sampling device damage, and ensures the sample remains unaffected during access, thereby reducing costs and improving safety.
Implementation Method 1
The exterior seal is made of an elastomeric material. The junction between the sampling device and the septum is usually gas-tight.
Implementation Method 2
an interior seal, e.g., a rupturable membrane... The interior seal is typically made of a laminate comprising at least one layer of metallic foil and preferably a layer of a heat sealable adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
A closure for a container, e.g., a tube, for a sample, e.g., a biological sample. The closure comprises a cap having a first opening and a second opening, the first opening capable of communicating with the mouth of a container, the second opening sealed by an exterior seal, and intermediate the first opening and the exterior seal, an interior seal. The invention also provides an assembly comprising the closure of this invention and a container. The invention also provides a method for preparing the closure.