Vial Holder Two-Step Snap Closure for Low-Temperature Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vial holders are difficult to assemble and handle at low temperatures due to bulky insulated gear constraints, necessitating improved vial handling and assembly methods.
Innovation Solution
A vial holder with a two-step snap closure mechanism, comprising housing components that clip together to form vial slots and shelves, allowing partial assembly at room temperature and secure locking at low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional vial holder assembly method is used, then the structure is simple, but the assembly is difficult and time-consuming at low temperatures due to bulky insulated gear constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two separate housing components that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows the components to be pre-assembled at room temperature before being transferred to low temperature environments, significantly reducing assembly time and effort during cold storage operations when operators wear bulky insulated gear
Solution Approach 2:
The housing components are designed to be pre-assembled at room temperature using the two-step snap closure mechanism before being placed in low temperature environments. This preliminary assembly action eliminates the need for complex assembly operations in difficult cold conditions, improving ease of operation and reducing time loss
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then vial security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two distinct steps: a first snap closure that provides initial securing and a second snap closure that provides final locking. This segmentation of the locking function into discrete steps achieves reliable vial security while keeping each individual step simple and intuitive to perform
Solution Approach 2:
The snap closure mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including movable clips and spring-loaded retainers that transition between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic design provides secure locking through mechanical advantage while maintaining operational simplicity through clear tactile and visual feedback
Data Source
AI summary
Various exemplary methods. systems. and devices for vial holders are provided. The vial holders are assembled from housing components with a two-step snap closure, where a first step partially assembles the vial holders into a stable first configuration to form vial slots and shelf platforms for case of receiving vials. The vial holders are advantageous for holding and labeling vials containing temperature sensitive therapeutic formulations that need to be handled under conditions limited by time and dexterity by permitting partial pre-assembly and labeling at a remote location and facilitating final assembly with minimal effort. In some embodiments. the vial holders incorporate tamper resistant structures that physically shield the two-step snap closure from external access.