Alcohol Wipe Package Restraint for Negative-Pressure Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Alcohol wipe packages in medical kits are susceptible to drying out due to permeation and seal breakage during sterilization, particularly under negative pressure, leading to ineffective use.
Innovation Solution
The use of an alcohol wipe package restraint made from polyester film material that inhibits expansion during sterilization, maintaining the seal integrity of the alcohol wipe packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alcohol wipe packages are sterilized under negative pressure, then sterilization is achieved, but the packages expand and seals break
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint device is applied to the alcohol wipe packages before sterilization to prevent expansion during the negative pressure sterilization process. The device counteracts the harmful expansion effect before it can damage the seals, allowing sterilization to proceed without compromising package integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint device acts as an intermediary between the negative pressure sterilization environment and the alcohol wipe packages. It provides mechanical support to the packages during sterilization, distributing the stress and preventing direct damage to the seals while still allowing the sterilization process to occur.
2Reliability
If alcohol wipe packages are sterilized under negative pressure, then sterilization is achieved, but permeation occurs and alcohol evaporates
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint device prevents package expansion before permeation can occur. By maintaining the package structure during negative pressure sterilization, it prevents alcohol vapor from penetrating through the package material and escaping, thereby preserving alcohol content.
3Reliability
If alcohol wipe packages are expanded during sterilization, then sterilization penetrates the package, but seals break and integrity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint device serves as a mediator that allows sterilization penetration while protecting seal integrity. It provides controlled support that permits adequate sterilization agent penetration into the package while preventing the uncontrolled expansion that would break the seals.
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
Prevents seal compromise during sterilization, ensuring the alcohol wipes remain effective for use by preventing excessive expansion and maintaining seal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The negative pressure (e.g., vacuum) of the sterilization results in expansion (e.g., distention) of the alcohol wipe packages
Implementation Method 2
The alcohol wipe packages may be sterilized under a predetermined temperature and a predetermined negative pressure (e.g., ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization)
Data Source
AI summary
Alcohol wipe package restraints and related systems and methods for sterilizing alcohol wipe packages are disclosed herein. A sterilized alcohol wipe package system may include an alcohol wipe package restraint and one or more alcohol wipe packages. The alcohol wipe package restraint includes a base defining an opening extending therethrough and an arm secured to the base and extending over the opening. The one or more alcohol wipe packages are removably secured to the alcohol wipe package restraint such that the arm restrains a portion of the one or more alcohol wipe packages when the one or more alcohol wipe packages are sterilized under a negative pressure.