Leak-Proof Tissue Specimen Container With Segmented Sterile Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting and storing tissue specimens are inadequate, as they fail to maintain sterility and can damage the tissue, leading to variability in specimen quality and integrity, especially when exposed to non-sterile environments during handling and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A container designed with a leak-proof chamber that can be pre-loaded with a medium or gas, featuring transparent panels for microscopy and optically clear sides for observation, allowing for controlled storage and transportation of tissue samples while maintaining sterility and specimen integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tissue specimens are collected using current simple enclosures without controlled environment, then the collection process is simple and quick, but sterility cannot be maintained and tissue integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple sealed compartments including a storage chamber for the tissue specimen, a separate medium reservoir, and distinct access ports. This segmentation allows each compartment to maintain its own controlled environment while preventing cross-contamination, thereby ensuring sterility without requiring a single complex sealed structure
Solution Approach 2:
The container is pre-assembled with all necessary components including the storage chamber, medium reservoir, closure elements, and access ports before use. The sterile barrier is pre-positioned within the chamber, and the system is prepared to receive the specimen directly from the collection device. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex assembly during the collection procedure, maintaining simplicity while ensuring sterility
2Ease of operation
If tissue specimens are manipulated using traditional methods (gauze and forceps), then the tissue can be handled and transported, but tissue morphology is damaged and biomolecules degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue specimen is extracted from the collection needle directly into the sealed storage chamber through a needle access port, eliminating the need to remove the tissue onto external gauze or manipulate it with forceps. The specimen remains contained within the sterile environment throughout the transfer process, preserving morphology while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
A sterile barrier or membrane is positioned within the storage chamber to serve as an intermediary surface. The tissue specimen can be deposited onto this sterile surface inside the sealed chamber, allowing for stable positioning and observation without requiring external manipulation tools that would compromise tissue integrity
3Productivity
If tissue specimens are exposed to atmosphere during collection and transport, then the collection process is straightforward, but variability in specimen quality increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container provides a localized controlled environment within the storage chamber, maintaining consistent temperature, humidity, and sterility conditions specifically for the tissue specimen. The chamber can be pre-filled with appropriate buffer medium to maintain local physiological conditions, ensuring specimen quality consistency without slowing down the overall collection process
Solution Approach 2:
The storage chamber with controlled environment is nested within the outer container structure. The chamber can be directly received into the container housing, creating a nested configuration that maintains the controlled environment while enabling rapid specimen deposition and sealing. This nested design allows the specimen to remain protected in its controlled environment throughout transport without complex external handling
Data Source
AI summary
A container comprising:a first panel;a second panel opposing the first panel;a first side;a second side opposing the first side;a third side;a fourth side opposing the third side;wherein each of the sides joins the first panel and the second panel;a chamber defined by the four sides, the first panel, and the second panel, wherein the chamber is configured to receive a biological specimen;a port defined in the first side;a plug inserted into the port;an opening defined in the second side; anda closure element coupled to the opening,wherein the chamber is leak proof.