Pierceable Septum Container Assembly for Leak-Proof Fluid Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid container devices for wet chemistry instruments are costly, inefficient, and environmentally impactful, with a need for precise fluid distribution and reduced leakage, particularly in high-pressure applications like HPLC instruments.

Innovation Solution

A fluid container device with a septum member that allows repeated piercing by a needle, using a polymer septum to seal and compress, ensuring leak-proof delivery and compatibility with pressurized environments, combined with a reusable second container for efficient fluid transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional fluid container device is used, then fluid storage is provided, but fluid leakage and drips occur during storage and delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak preventionVSAvoidfluid loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A septum member is introduced as an intermediary component between the vessel opening and the external environment. The septum member includes a needle-penetrable septum portion that seals the opening while allowing controlled access, preventing leakage and drips during fluid storage and delivery operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a needle-penetrable septum is used, then repeated piercing is enabled, but sealing reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepeated accessVSAvoidseal integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The septum member is designed with specific material properties and structural parameters that allow it to maintain seal integrity despite repeated piercing. The needle-penetrable septum portion is made from materials and constructed in a manner that enables it to be repeatedly pierced by a needle while maintaining its sealing function throughout multiple access cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If existing fluid container devices are used, then fluid delivery is achieved, but costs are high and environmental impact is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid delivery efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid container device is segmented into distinct functional components: a vessel for fluid storage, a container assembly housing, and a septum member for sealed access. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving overall fluid delivery efficiency while enabling cost-effective manufacturing through specialized production of individual parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 device provides precise and leak-proof fluid delivery, reduces waste, and lowers costs by using a reusable second container, while maintaining compatibility with complex wet chemistry instruments.

Implementation Method 1

The septum may be at least partially compressed to facilitate closure of passages formed by puncturing the septum with such an access mechanism.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a polymer septum to seal and compress, ensuring leak-proof delivery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3804855B1Fluid container device comprising a septum member, and method of delivering fluid from such a device
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 BIO RAD EURO GMBH
  • EP3804855B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3804855B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3804855B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A fluid container device (10) for delivering fluid from a vessel (40), comprises a container assembly (20) comprising a first container (30) having a first opening (35), a vessel (40) having a second opening (45), the vessel (40) being mounted within the first container (30) such that the first opening (35) and the second opening (45) are in alignment, and a septum member (50) mounted on to the first and second openings (35,45). A method of delivering fluid from the aforesaid fluid container device (10), comprises providing a receiving structure (150) having a fluid output port member (170) and a needle (180); placing the container assembly (20) in the receiving structure (150) and perforating the septum member (50) by the needle (180) in order to put in fluid communication an interior of the vessel (40) with the fluid output port member (170).