Pierceable Stopper Insert for Repeated Access Without Coring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sealing systems for containers used in diagnostic testing suffer from reliability issues due to repeated penetrations causing stopper coring and fragmentation, which interfere with reagent stability and testing accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A sealing system comprising a plug, pierceable membrane, and insert that supports multiple penetrations without fragmentation, reducing evaporation and contamination, and includes a diaphragm for additional environmental isolation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional stoppers are used for sealing containers, then the sealing function is provided, but repeated probe penetrations cause stopper coring and fragmentation which reduces reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidstopper integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The stopper is segmented into multiple functional layers: an outer stopper body providing sealing, an inner insert with a cavity, and a pierceable membrane. This segmentation allows the probe to penetrate only the membrane while the main stopper body remains intact, preventing coring and fragmentation and maintaining structural integrity through repeated penetrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If repeated probe penetrations are performed, then multiple aspirations from the same container are enabled, but stopper coring and fragmentation interfere with reagent stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple aspirationsVSAvoidreagent stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The pierceable membrane acts as an intermediary between the probe and the reagent. It is designed to be penetrated by the probe while the insert cavity provides a buffer zone that prevents direct contact between the probe and reagent unless intentionally dispensed. This intermediary structure allows multiple penetrations without compromising reagent stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If conventional stoppers are penetrated repeatedly, then probe access is maintained, but fragmentation exposes reagent materials to ambient environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe accessVSAvoidambient contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insert cavity is pre-configured with a specific volume and geometry before use. When the membrane is penetrated, the probe enters the cavity rather than directly contacting the reagent. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that even during multiple penetrations, the reagent remains isolated from the ambient environment through the protective barrier of the insert cavity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12434889B2Sealing systems

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 INSTRUMENTATION LABORATORY COMPANY

AI summary

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a stopper comprising a plug and a pierceable membrane, the plug including a cavity between a pierceable membrane and a lower opening. The pierceable membrane and the cavity can form a tortuous path that reduces interactions between the contents of the container and the ambient environment. The cavity can be bounded by a plastic insert disposed within the plug. The plastic insert can include insert walls, the lower opening, and an insert flange. The pierceable membrane can be bonded to an upper surface of the insert flange.