Liquid Sample Container Visual and Audible Sealing Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mistakes can occur when handling biological sample containers, leading to potential accidents or erroneous test results, highlighting the need for improved handling and usage mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of visual and audible position indicators on liquid sample containers, along with a cup design featuring a raised center portion and an insert with stabilization features, ensures secure sealing and efficient sample collection for testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual and audible position indicators are implemented on liquid sample containers, then user confidence in secure closure and test accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual position indicators that utilize color changes or visual distinctions to indicate whether the cap is properly tightened on the container. This provides immediate visual feedback to the user, enhancing reliability without requiring complex electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic monitoring systems with simpler mechanical or visual indicator mechanisms. The position indicators provide closure status information through mechanical alignment or visual cues rather than requiring sensors, batteries, or electronic displays.
2Manufacturing precision
If position indicators and stabilization features are added to the container design, then handling accuracy and leak prevention are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the container system into distinct functional components: the container body, the cap assembly, position indicators, and stabilization features. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using optimized processes and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies specific features like raised center portions and stabilization elements only where needed on the container structure, rather than requiring complex features throughout the entire container. This localized approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving the required precision for proper closure and stabilization.
3Measurement precision
If the cup design includes a raised center portion and stabilization features, then sample collection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The raised center portion of the cup is pre-formed during manufacturing to naturally guide and concentrate the liquid sample toward the center during collection. This preliminary structural preparation ensures accurate sample positioning without requiring additional active components or complex mechanisms during the sampling process.
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed technique includes an assembly comprising a cup with a first visual sealing indicator and a lid with a second visual sealing indicator wherein, in operation, the lid is screwed on the cup to a sealing indicator position where the first visual sealing indicator and the second visual sealing indicator are aligned. Another disclosed technique includes an assembly comprising a cup with a first audible sealing indicator and a lid with a second audible sealing indicator wherein, in operation, the lid is screwed on the cup to a position past where the first audible sealing indicator and the second audible sealing indicator have contacted each other producing an audible sound. Another disclosed technique includes a cup with a raised central bottom area and an insert with bracing wings wherein, in operation, the bracing wings stabilize and secure the insert in the cup.