Sampling Container Lid Aperture and Cannula Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current specimen collection and sampling containers require the removal of the lid for multiple sampling methods, increasing the risk of contamination and prolonging processing time, as they do not allow simultaneous or alternate use of evacuated tubes and sampling probes without lid removal.
Innovation Solution
A sampling container with a lid assembly featuring an aperture for probe insertion and a cannula for evacuated tubes, allowing for sample extraction without removing the lid, using a cap attached via an integral hinge or assembly hinge, enabling simultaneous or alternate use of both methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid is removed for sampling, then sampling operations can be performed, but contamination risk increases and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into a main lid body and a separate cap that covers the aperture. The cap can be independently opened or removed while the main lid remains attached to the cup, allowing sampling through the aperture without fully exposing the sample to the environment. This segmentation enables controlled access that reduces contamination risk while maintaining ease of sampling operations.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is removed for sampling, then sampling can be performed, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture with its cap is prepared in advance on the lid, allowing sampling to be performed without the time-consuming action of removing and replacing the entire lid. The cap can be quickly opened or removed and set aside, enabling rapid sampling operations. This preliminary configuration of the aperture system eliminates the need for repeated lid manipulation during multiple sampling steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both evacuated tube and probe sampling methods are supported, then sampling versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly is designed with universal functionality to support both evacuated tube sampling and probe sampling methods. The aperture with cap accommodates probe insertion, while the cannula with needle member receives evacuated tubes. Both systems operate through the same lid structure, allowing the single lid assembly to perform multiple sampling functions without requiring separate specialized lids for each method.
4Ease of operation
If aperture cap is removed and placed on bench, then probe sampling is enabled, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is extracted from the aperture and can be temporarily placed on the bench away from the sampling area. By removing the cap rather than the entire lid, the probe can be inserted through the aperture while the main lid remains attached, providing a physical barrier that limits exposure and reduces contamination risk compared to complete lid removal.
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
Reduces contamination risk and processing time by allowing efficient extraction of multiple samples using both methods without lid removal, saving significant time in high-volume laboratory settings.
Implementation Method 1
a cannula and needle member useful for receiving an air evacuated tube and piercing its stopper
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid collection and sampling container is disclosed, comprising; a cup member; a lid assembly removeably mounted to the cup member and having (a) on a location on the lid an aperture with closure means useful for introducing sampling means into the container without removing the lid assembly, and (b) on a further location on the lid a cannula and needle member useful for receiving an air evacuated tube and piercing its stopper. Furthermore a method is disclosed, for extracting a plurality of samples from a sampling container using alternate sampling methods which include extracting samples by means of evacuated tube and extracting samples by means of immersing extracting probe into liquid contained in the container, wherein there is no need in removal of the lid assembly or of other members from the cup during the extraction of samples through the use of the alternate sampling methods.