Sterile Closure Attachment for Septum Sample Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to prevent contamination of sampling cannulas and subsequent contamination of other media or equipment during automated processes, particularly in the analysis of blood samples or gaseous headspaces, due to repeated punctures through the septum.
Innovation Solution
A closure attachment comprising a sleeve-shaped adapter with a central cannula, a tubular reservoir, a syringe filter, and an injection port, connected via connecting pieces, which allows sterile sampling by preventing fluid from contaminating the syringe filter and ensuring a sterile seal, using Luer-Lock connectors and integrated valves to maintain sterility during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a three-piece closure system (inner closure, outer closure, and overcap) is used to provide tamper-evident features and child-resistant functionality, then safety and security are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inner closure and outer closure into a single integrated component. The inner closure is formed as an integral part of the outer closure, eliminating the need for separate assembly of these two components while maintaining the tamper-evident functionality where the inner closure can be rotated relative to the outer closure to indicate opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated closure component performs multiple functions: it provides child-resistant functionality through the rotation mechanism, tamper-evident indication through the relative rotation feature, and sealing functionality through the engagement with the container. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity despite maintaining safety features.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate closure components (inner closure, outer closure, overcap) are assembled together, then functionality is achieved, but assembly time and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inner closure and outer closure are merged into a single integrated component that can be molded as one piece or pre-assembled together. This eliminates the need for separate assembly operations during final closure assembly, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining all required functionalities including child-resistant operation and tamper-evident features.
3Reliability
If complex multi-component closure systems are manufactured and assembled, then safety features are achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the inner closure and outer closure into one component, reducing the total part count and eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and quality control processes for multiple components. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while preserving child-resistant functionality through the built-in rotation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated closure component is designed to perform multiple safety and sealing functions within a single part structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components or assembly steps, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable child-resistant and tamper-evident features.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a closure attachment for a closure (3) for closing an opening of a container (1) for the storage and, optionally, incubation of a sample and for the removal of the sample or of a sample constituent. The closure (3) has a septum (4) which closes the opening. The closure attachment can be placed onto a neck-type extension (2) surrounding the opening of the container (1). The closure attachment is characterized by: - a sleeve-shaped adapter (6), which can be placed onto the closure (3) and which has a central cannula (10), one end of the cannula being designed to pierce the septum (4) and the other end of the cannula having a connecting piece (12); - a tubular reservoir (7) having connecting pieces (13, 14) at both ends; - a syringe filter (8) having connecting pieces (15, 16) at both ends; and - an injection port (9) having a connecting piece (17) at one end and having a septum (18) at the other end; wherein the adapter (6), the reservoir (7), the syringe filter (8) and the injection port (9) are tightly connected to one another in succession by means of the connecting pieces (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17).