Specimen Container Cap with Flexible Connector and Snap-Fit Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen collection vials and caps lack efficient mechanisms for secure sealing and controlled access, leading to issues with contamination, filling interference, and venting in multi-container arrays.
Innovation Solution
A cap and vial assembly with inter-engageable detents and a connector that allows for snap-fit positions, inelastic deformation, and a locking mechanism, enabling secure sealing and controlled opening, allowing for easy filling and venting without interference between containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cap is permanently attached to the vial, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of operation for filling and venting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a cap body, a flexible connector, and a vial holder. This segmentation allows the cap to be securely attached to the vial while maintaining operational flexibility for filling and venting through the movable cap structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with flexible portions that enable dynamic movement of the cap between sealed and open positions. The flexible connector allows the cap to move relative to the vial while maintaining a secure connection, providing both reliability and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the cap is easily removable from the vial, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is pre-positioned in a closed state during manufacturing, ensuring sealing reliability is established before use. The flexible connector is pre-configured to maintain this sealed position while allowing controlled opening when needed.
3Productivity
If multiple vials are arranged in arrays, then productivity is improved, but interference between containers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly extends in multiple dimensions with the connector providing vertical and lateral separation between vials. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple vials to be closely arranged in arrays while preventing interference through the extended connector structure.
4Manufacturing precision
If the connector is rigid, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector has different local properties: rigid portions for structural support and precise positioning, and flexible portions for adaptability and movement. This local differentiation allows the connector to maintain manufacturing precision while adapting to different cap positions.
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 assembly provides secure sealing, easy opening for filling, and controlled venting, minimizing contamination and evaporative losses, especially in rack-filling and digestion protocols, while maintaining orientation to avoid interference in arrays.
Implementation Method 1
movement of the cap from the initial position to the fully-seated position can result in inelastic deformation of the connector, said inelastic deformation of the connector adapting said connector such that, as aforesaid, in use, when the cap is disposed at the position apart from the opening, and in the absence of external forces, the connector holds the cap at the position apart from the opening
Implementation Method 2
the cap and the vial have inter-engageable detents which provide for snap-fit intermediate positions of the cap between the position apart from the opening and the fully-seated position
Implementation Method 3
the body can have a locking hook projecting from the vial adjacent the rim and the apparatus can further comprise a locking tab having a flexible portion joining the locking tab to the cap for movement of the locking tab between an unlocking position and a locking position, the locking tab and the locking hook being adapted such that, with the cap in the fully-seated position, movement of the locking tab from the unlocking position to the locking position causes the locking tab to engage the locking hook to restrain the cap against movement from the fully--seated position
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus is disclosed and comprises a cap, a body and a connector. The cap has an inner surface defining a hollow. The body includes a vial having a rim and an opening bounded by the rim. The connector couples the cap and body in a manner which permits cap movement between a fully-seated position on the vial, to form a sealed specimen container; and a position apart from the opening, to permit ingress to the vial. The connector can be adapted such that, in use, when the cap is disposed at the position apart from the opening, and in the absence of external forces, the connector holds the cap at the position apart from the opening. Snap-fit intermediate positions of the cap can be provided between the position apart from the opening and the fully-seated position and the cap can be adapted to reduce evaporative losses when intermediately positioned.