Abrasive Shrink Wrap Removal Tool for Sterile Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shrink wrap removal tools pose safety risks and are not suitable for all applications, particularly in environments where sharp objects are forbidden, such as hospitals and pharmacies, and may compromise sterile seals or be ineffective due to manual dexterity limitations and added costs from perforations or raised edges.
Innovation Solution
A shrink wrap removal tool with abrasive surfaces on pivotable arms and a rotatable pressing element that pinches and rotates the shrink wrap, using a biasing mechanism like a torsion spring to engage and abrade the seal without sharp edges, allowing for safe and efficient removal without compromising sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional shrink wrap removal tools with sharp edges are used, then the shrink wrap can be cut or pierced effectively, but safety risks are posed to the user and sterile seals may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sharp mechanical cutting edges with an abrasive surface that gradually wears down the shrink wrap material. The abrasive surface consists of numerous small abrasive particles that mechanically erode the plastic or foil through repeated contact during rotation, eliminating the need for sharp blades while maintaining effective removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an abrasive surface as an intermediary between the removal tool and the shrink wrap. This abrasive layer acts as a mediator that transfers controlled mechanical stress to the wrap material, allowing gradual degradation without the sudden, dangerous forces generated by sharp cutting edges
2Ease of operation
If perforations or raised areas are added to the shrink wrap to facilitate manual removal, then tear initiation is easier, but the sterile seal is compromised and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual tearing mechanisms with a rotational abrasive removal system. Instead of relying on perforations or raised edges to initiate tears, the rotating abrasive surface gradually wears through the intact shrink wrap, maintaining seal integrity while enabling easy removal through continuous abrasion rather than forced tearing
3Strength
If the abrasive surfaces are made thicker to improve durability and effectiveness, then the abrasion capacity increases, but the tool becomes less adaptable to various container geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pivotable arms that can dynamically adjust their position and angle relative to the container surface. This dynamic positioning capability allows the tool to adapt to various container geometries while maintaining effective contact between the abrasive surfaces and the shrink wrap, regardless of the container's shape or size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses abrasive surfaces with a specific thickness range (0.020-0.100 inches) that provides sufficient durability while maintaining flexibility. The abrasive material is applied in a controlled manner to create surfaces that are thick enough to withstand wear but thin enough to conform to different container shapes and allow effective rotational contact
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 tool effectively removes shrink wrap without sharp edges, ensuring user safety and maintaining sterility, while being adaptable to various container geometries and reducing manual dexterity requirements, thus addressing the limitations of existing tools.
Implementation Method 1
a first abrasive surface, a second abrasive surface... The first abrasive surface and the second abrasive surface may be located on a first arm and a second arm respectively
Implementation Method 2
The first arm and the second arm may be biased toward an engaged position by a biasing member, where the biasing member may include a torsion spring
Implementation Method 3
The pressing surface may engage the product and the pressing element may rotate in a direction opposite of the product when the product is rotated relative to the tool. The pressing surface and the product may cooperate to pinch the shrink wrap therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for removing shrink wrap from a product may include a first abrasive surface, a second abrasive surface, and a pressing surface, where the first and second abrasive surfaces are movable with respect to one another between an engaged position and a disengaged position, and where in the engaged position, the pressing surface presses the product into engagement with the first abrasive surface and the second abrasive surface. The first abrasive surface and the second abrasive surface may be located on a first arm and a second arm respectively. The first abrasive surface may be stationary relative to the first arm and the second abrasive surface may be stationary with respect to the second arm. The pressing surface may include a pressing element which is rotatable around an axis.