Sample Vessel Closure Cap Membrane Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closed systems for sample vessels with large filling volumes are not suitable for handling small sample quantities, as the sealing plugs inserted from above obstruct the labeling of the lid surface and require opening for sample transfer or reagent addition in chromatography systems, lacking a secure and accessible closure for small volumes.
Innovation Solution
A membrane disc is supported by the edge of a flanged inner collar in the closure cap, allowing secure positioning and visibility for labeling, while being freely accessible for cannula insertion through a small-diameter piercing, preventing the membrane disc from being pushed out during removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing plug is inserted from above into the closure cap, then secure sealing is achieved, but the lid surface cannot be provided with labels or sample identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional insertion direction of the sealing plug. Instead of inserting the sealing plug from above (front side) of the closure cap, the membrane disc is inserted from below (rear side) through a small-diameter piercing opening. This inversion allows the entire outer surface of the head wall to remain flat and available for labeling, while the membrane disc is securely held from below by the flanged inner collar edge, preventing it from being pushed out during sample removal.
2Ease of operation
If a membrane disc is inserted from above into a large opening, then easy access for cannula insertion is achieved, but the outer surface cannot be fully used for labeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimensional approach by inserting the membrane disc from the rear side through a small-diameter piercing opening rather than from the front through a large opening. This dimensional change allows the membrane disc to be freely accessible from the outside via the small opening for cannula insertion, while simultaneously preserving the entire outer surface of the head wall for labeling purposes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the closure cap is designed for small sample volumes, then suitability for chromatography analysis is achieved, but secure positioning of the sealing plug becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific flanged structure on the inner collar of the closure cap. The edge of the inner collar is flanged by hot deformation to create a localized holding feature that securely positions the membrane disc from below. This localized structural modification ensures reliable positioning and prevents the membrane disc from being pushed out, specifically adapted for small sample volume applications in chromatography analysis.
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
This solution enables a closed system for small liquid volumes with secure sealing and unrestricted labeling, preventing contamination and allowing repeated sample and reagent input/output without opening the vessel, ensuring positional security and contamination protection.
Implementation Method 1
an edge (8) of the inner collar (4) which is flanged by hot deformation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
In a sample vessel (1) for accommodating small amounts of liquid for analyses, consisting of a tube (2) closed at one end and closable with sealing at the other open end by a closure cap (3) which can be pierced by a tip of a withdrawal cannula, the closure cap (3) is designed with an externally flat, even top wall (5) and a membrane disk (7) which is inserted from the bottom so as to rest on the inner surface of the top wall (5) and is held supported there.