Sampler Cap With Weakening Zone for Blood Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sampler caps require removal before transferring a test sample to an analyzer, posing a risk of exposure to blood samples during the process.
Innovation Solution
A sampler cap with a hollow body featuring a sampler connector and an analyzer connector, equipped with a liquid impermeable closure member that allows for airtight sealing and secure connection, enabling the transfer of test samples without cap removal, utilizing a membrane or filter with a weakening zone for probe penetration and a venting conduit for air expulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sampler cap is removed before transferring the test sample to the analyzer, then the operator can access the sample, but the operator is exposed to hazardous blood samples
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet probe acts as an intermediary tool that penetrates the closure member to access the sample without requiring the operator to remove the cap. The closure member with its weakening zone allows the probe to enter while maintaining sealing, thus mediating between the need for sample access and the need to protect the operator from blood exposure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sampler cap is kept on during sample transfer, then operator safety is maintained, but the inlet probe must penetrate the closure member
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is designed with a localized weakening zone at a specific position, while the rest of the closure member maintains its intact sealing structure. This local modification allows the inlet probe to penetrate at a controlled location without compromising the overall sealing integrity or requiring complex penetration mechanisms throughout the entire closure member.
3Reliability
If a liquid impermeable closure member is used to seal the sampler, then sample integrity is maintained, but air cannot pass through the closure member
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member incorporates a filter with controlled pores that allow air to pass through while blocking liquid blood samples. This porous structure enables the closure member to simultaneously provide sealing for sample integrity and venting for air removal, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
4Reliability
If the closure member is made completely impermeable to both liquid and gas, then sample integrity is maximized, but the sampler cannot be vented
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member integrates a porous filter structure that selectively permits air passage while blocking liquid penetration. This allows the sampler to be vented of trapped air during preparation, while the same filter structure maintains sample integrity by preventing blood leakage during transfer to the analyzer.
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 safe and efficient transfer of test samples to an analyzer without exposing the operator to blood, maintaining sample integrity and reducing the risk of contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The filter may have predominantly hydrophobic characteristics or predominantly hydrophilic characteristics. A filter with hydrophobic characteristics may be a filter made from a hydrophobic material like polyethylene, polypropylene or polytetrafluoroethylene. Alternatively, the filter may have a surface, which is modified by a hydrophobic material like silicone
Implementation Method 2
A filter with hydrophilic characteristics may be a filter made from a material like cellulose or a cellulose derivative like carboxymethylcellulose. Such materials swell when exposed to aqueous phases, thereby blocking the porous structure of the filter.
Implementation Method 3
The membrane may be made from any material which allows inlet probe penetration and which is impermeable to gasses and liquids. Preferably, the membrane is made from a silicone rubber.
Implementation Method 4
In order to facilitate inlet probe penetration, the closure member preferably has a weakening zone. The application of a weakening zone reduces the force required for penetration and reduces the risk of spills and damage to the inlet probe and sampler as caused by sudden penetration of the closure member.
Data Source
AI summary
A sampler cap includes a sampler connector, an analyzer connector and a liquid impermeable closure member, which may be a membrane or a filter. The sampler cap may be used to transfer a test sample to an analyzer without removing the sampler cap from the sampler.