Laboratory Sample Container Unsealing by Adhesive Strength Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved method to unseal laboratory sample containers without damaging the samples or causing contamination, as existing methods can introduce vibrations or shocks that lead to spilling and contamination, and often leave adhesive residues, making repeated opening and closing cycles difficult.
Innovation Solution
A method that lowers the adhesive strength of the closure on laboratory sample containers using treatments like radiation or heat, allowing for gentle and efficient removal of the closure without damaging the container or sample, and minimizes adhesive residue for easy re-sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical force is applied to remove the closure, then the closure can be removed, but the sample may spill or become contaminated due to vibrations or shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is treated before closure removal to reduce its bonding strength, so that the closure can be removed without applying mechanical force that would cause vibrations or shocks to the sample
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical force-based closure removal is replaced by chemical/physical treatment of the adhesive (radiation or heat treatment) to reduce bonding strength, eliminating the need for forceful mechanical removal
2Reliability
If adhesive with high strength is used to seal the closure, then the seal is secure, but adhesive residues remain after removal making re-sealing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is treated in advance with radiation or heat to reduce its bonding strength before closure removal, allowing complete adhesive degradation without residues that would interfere with re-sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive's bonding strength parameter is changed through radiation or heat treatment, transforming it from a strong bond state to a weak bond state that allows clean removal and re-sealing
3Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation or heat treatment is applied to reduce adhesive strength, then closure can be removed gently, but additional process steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation or heat treatment device serves multiple functions: it reduces adhesive bonding strength, enables gentle closure removal, and prepares the surface for re-sealing, combining multiple process steps into one treatment step
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation or heat treatment acts as an intermediary that mediates between the closure-adhesive-container system, enabling controlled reduction of bonding strength without directly contacting or damaging the sample
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 soft unsealing of laboratory sample containers, reduces the risk of sample contamination, allows for repeated opening and closing cycles, and facilitates fast unsealing within 5 seconds or less, without requiring complex mechanics.
Implementation Method 1
An adhesive strength of the adhesive can be lowerable by treatment. The method can comprise treating the adhesive such that its adhesive strength is lowered
Implementation Method 2
An adhesive strength of the adhesive can be lowerable by treatment. The method can comprise treating the adhesive such that its adhesive strength is lowered
Data Source
AI summary
A method for unsealing an opening of a laboratory sample container containing a sample is presented. The opening is sealed by a closure attached to the laboratory sample container by an adhesive. An adhesive strength of the adhesive is lowerable by treatment. The method comprises treating the adhesive such that its adhesive strength is lowered and removing the closure from the laboratory sample container.