Segmented Container Stopper for Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stoppers for containers used in analysis and diagnostics are complex to produce, prone to undesired deformation, and risk substance evaporation or foreign body penetration, especially when multiple withdrawals or additions are required, and they often require additional operations like slitting.
Innovation Solution
A stopper with a jacket section having multiple segments, where the second segments can be independently deformed to allow axial penetration and the third segments form a contact section to prevent further insertion, ensuring reliable sealing and easy substance access without subsequent slitting, manufactured through injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a thin membrane is used to cover the container, then substance access is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases due to slitting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is divided into multiple segments (at least two) that can be independently deformed. Each segment has a free end with sections that can radially move to allow penetration while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation eliminates the need for slitting operations while enabling substance access.
Solution Approach 2:
The segments are designed to be dynamically deformable rather than static. The free ends of the segments can radially inwardly deform during insertion to allow penetration, then return to their original position to maintain sealing. This dynamic behavior replaces the need for pre-slitted membranes.
2Ease of operation
If a stopper with slots and segments is used to allow penetration, then substance access is enabled, but undesired deformation occurs during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the segments have different properties: the first section forms the jacket section with higher stability, the second section (free end) is designed for radial deformation to allow penetration, and the third section provides contact function. This local differentiation allows penetration while maintaining overall structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmentation allows each segment to independently deform at its free end while the connected portion maintains structural integrity. The segments are connected to adjacent segments, distributing deformation forces and preventing unwanted overall deformation during insertion.
3Reliability
If the stopper is inserted deeply into the container, then sealing is improved, but position control becomes difficult due to force application
Solution Approach 1:
The third section of each segment is pre-configured as a contact section that will naturally contact the container rim upon insertion. This preliminary positioning feature ensures the stopper stops at the correct depth without requiring precise force control during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact sections formed by the third sections of the segments automatically perform the positioning function. When the stopper is inserted, these contact sections self-limit the insertion depth by contacting the container rim, eliminating the need for external position control mechanisms.
4Reliability
If a two-part plug with separate sealing body is used, then sealing is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is integrated into the segmented structure itself rather than requiring a separate sealing body. The segments with their free ends and contact sections inherently provide both structural and sealing functions, eliminating the need for a separate sealing component and simplifying manufacturing to a single injection molding process.
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
The stopper effectively prevents evaporation and foreign body entry while allowing easy access for sampling, with enhanced stability and reduced production complexity, ensuring secure sealing and easy penetration by sampling devices.
Implementation Method 1
A second section (7) of the free end (5a) of each segment (5) projects radially inward from the jacket section (3)... the second sections (7) form a cover section (9) of the plug (1), which is penetrable in an axial direction (Z)
Implementation Method 2
A third section (8) of the free end (5a) of each segment (5) projects radially outward from the jacket section (3)... the third sections (8) form a contact section (10) of the plug (1)... which prevents further insertion of the stopper (1) into the container (2)
Implementation Method 3
The second sections (7) form a cover section (9) of the plug (1), which is penetrable in the axial direction (Z) and closes the through-opening (4)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a stopper (1) for a container, in particular a stopper for containers used in the field of analysis and diagnostics.The plug (1) has a jacket section that can be inserted into the container, the jacket section having a through-opening formed in an axial direction, the plug (1) having at least two segments (5), each segment (5) having a free end, a first section of the free end of each segment (5) forming a part of the jacket section, a second section of the free end of each segment (5) projecting radially inwards from the jacket section, a third section of the free end of each segment projecting radially outwards from the jacket section, the second sections forming a cover section that can be penetrated in the axial direction and closes the through-opening, and the third sections forming a contact section of the plug (1).