Removable Cap with Conduction Seal for Diagnostic Analyzer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In diagnostic analyzers, existing cap and seal designs require manual removal and peeling of seals, which is time-consuming and prone to cross-contamination and spillage, especially in high-throughput automated processes.
Innovation Solution
A removable cap with a conduction seal closure comprising a first polymer layer heat-sealed to the cap, an aluminum foil layer for conductive heating, and a second polymer layer for protection, allowing automated opening by a perforation device without removing the cap, maintaining a secure seal and preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual removal and peeling of induction-sealed membrane is used, then access to container contents is achieved, but operator time is consumed and cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into two functional layers: an induction-sealed membrane for protection and a perforation-ready layer for automated opening. This segmentation allows the automated piercer to access contents without manual intervention while maintaining the protective function of the original seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is pre-configured with a perforation-ready layer that can be easily pierced by an automated device. This preliminary preparation enables the automated analyzer to open containers without manual peeling or removal steps, eliminating operator time consumption and cross-contamination risks.
2Ease of operation
If manual removal of cap and peeling of membrane is required, then access to contents is provided, but opportunity for cross-contaminants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic manual peeling and cap removal steps are extracted from the process. Instead, an automated piercer directly penetrates the pre-configured seal, eliminating the need for manual handling that causes cross-contamination while maintaining ease of automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of peeling and removing caps is replaced with an automated piercing mechanism. This substitution eliminates human contact with the container opening, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining operational ease through automation.
3Reliability
If induction-sealed membrane is used, then leak-proof closure is achieved, but manual peeling is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The seal uses a composite structure with an induction-sealed membrane layer for reliability and leak-proof closure, combined with a perforation-ready layer that enables rapid automated opening. This composite design maintains the protective function while dramatically improving throughput by eliminating manual peeling steps.
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
Enables automated access to container contents without manual intervention, reducing operator time and cross-contamination risks while maintaining a leak-proof seal, enhancing reliability and efficiency in diagnostic analyzer operations.
Implementation Method 1
an aluminum foil layer arranged on top of the first polymer sealing layer and configured to heat seal the first polymer sealing layer by conductive heating to the flat upper portion of the cap
Implementation Method 2
The seal serves to protect the contents of the container and form a leak-proof closure of the container. Access to the container contents is performed by removal of the cap and manual peeling or perforation of the induction-sealed membrane.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to a removable cap with a conduction seal closure for sealing an opening of a container. The cap has a side wall and a top wall with an open access hole there-through. A flat upper portion surrounds the open access hole, which is sealed by the conduction seal. The conduction seal comprises a first polymer sealing layer, an aluminum foil layer on top of the first layer to heat seal the first layer to the cap, and a second polymer layer arranged on top of the aluminum foil layer for protection. The aluminum foil provides a formable shaping strength such that upon seal piercing, a permanent memory spread of the first and third layers is achieved. Removal of the cap does not damage the seal. Access to the container contents is achieved without probe contact to the as-pierced seal.