Disposable Tissue Container with Piercing Cap and Segmented Formalin Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current containers for preserving and transporting human tissue samples expose operators to toxic formalin fumes, risk accidental spillage, and hinder the complete immersion and transport of biopsy samples due to design limitations, including the inability to introduce biopsy devices and maintain formalin coverage during transport.
Innovation Solution
A disposable container with a receptacle, a piercing cap, a capsule containing formalin sealed by a protective film, and a safety ring nut that dilutes formalin from 40% to 4% with a buffer solution, allowing safe handling and complete sample immersion, while preventing accidental spillage and breakage of the protective film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container is opened to fill with formalin, then the tissue sample can be preserved, but the operator is exposed to toxic formalin fumes
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two separate chambers: a lower chamber for the tissue sample and an upper chamber for concentrated formalin. The chambers are separated by a partition with holes, allowing formalin to pass through while maintaining physical separation. This segmentation enables the preservative function while eliminating direct operator exposure to toxic fumes during handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is pre-filled with buffer solution in the lower chamber before use. When concentrated formalin is added to the upper chamber, it automatically dilutes to the correct concentration as it passes through the holes in the partition. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for operators to handle and measure formalin, preventing exposure to toxic fumes during the filling process.
2Reliability
If the container is sealed tightly to prevent spillage, then safety is improved, but the formalin cannot be properly distributed to cover the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The container uses a segmented design with a lower chamber for samples and an upper chamber for formalin, separated by a partition with holes. This segmentation allows the formalin to be contained in the upper chamber (preventing spillage) while still enabling distribution to the lower chamber through the holes in the partition when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition separating the chambers is designed to be flexible or removable, allowing it to be in different positions during different phases of use. During transport, the partition remains in place to prevent spillage. During preservation, the partition can be removed or adjusted to allow formalin to flow down and cover the sample completely.
3Volume of stationary object
If the container volume is reduced to fit in small spaces, then transportability is improved, but the biopsy device cannot be introduced inside
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into two chambers with a partition containing holes. This segmentation allows the lower chamber to accommodate biopsy devices during the biopsy procedure, while the upper chamber holds concentrated formalin. The holes in the partition enable formalin to pass through to preserve the tissue, maintaining both compact size and device compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The container uses vertical stacking of chambers (one above the other) rather than horizontal expansion. This dimensional arrangement allows the biopsy device to be introduced into the lower chamber from the side or top without requiring excessive horizontal space, while the upper chamber efficiently uses vertical space to hold the formalin supply.
4Volume of stationary object
If the container is placed horizontally during transport to save space, then storage efficiency is improved, but the formalin does not return to cover the sample when repositioned vertically
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into an upper chamber for formalin and a lower chamber for samples, separated by a partition with holes. During horizontal transport, the partition keeps formalin contained in the upper chamber. When repositioned vertically, gravity naturally draws formalin through the holes in the partition to cover the sample in the lower chamber, ensuring reliable coverage regardless of transport orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower chamber is pre-filled with buffer solution before use. When the container is transported horizontally, the formalin remains in the upper chamber. Upon vertical positioning for preservation, the formalin automatically flows down through the partition holes and mixes with the pre-prepared buffer solution, ensuring immediate and complete sample coverage without requiring additional operator intervention.
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 solution significantly reduces operator exposure to formalin, ensures complete sample coverage and preservation, and facilitates the introduction of biopsy devices, enhancing safety and efficiency in handling and transporting human tissue samples.
Implementation Method 1
a piercing cap (3)... piercing element for breaking said gasket
Implementation Method 2
a safety ring nut (6)... the lack of a safety for crushing the cap
Implementation Method 3
a receptacle with buffer solution... dilutes formalin from 40% to 4% with a buffer solution
Implementation Method 4
the container is placed in horizontal position or oblique position and the formalin or preservative fluid, entering the cap or inside its holes, does not return into the container when the container is repositioned vertically
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to the field of histology and, more specifically, that of preservation by means of formalin of human tissues or organs to be subjected to histological examination and consists of a disposable container of 30 or 90 ml for the preservation and transport of human tissue samples or organs or parts thereof, comprising: a receptacle with a buffer solution, a piercing cap, a capsule containing formalin sealed by a protective film and a safety ring nut provided with a stopper.