Ampoule Container with Integrated Breaker and Tip Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ampoule breakers do not provide a safe and convenient solution for storing and disposing of sharp-edged and fragile ampoule tips after opening, often requiring constant stock and separate handling.

Innovation Solution

A device integrating an ampoule breaker within an ampoule container, where the ampoule tip is stored in a lid compartment after breaking, allowing for contact-free disposal by tilting the container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional reusable ampoule opener is used, then the ampoule can be opened safely, but the ampoule tip must be stored and disposed of separately requiring constant stock and additional handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of ampoule openingVSAvoidcomplexity of storage and disposal process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ampoule opener and storage container into a single integrated device. The opener is positioned within the container such that when the ampoule tip is broken off, it falls directly into the container's recess, eliminating the need for separate storage and disposal steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container is divided into functional zones: an opening area where the ampoule is positioned and broken, and a recess area that receives and stores the broken tip. This segmentation organizes the disposal process within the single device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If disposable ampoule openers are used, then the ampoule tip can be stored safely without contact, but a constant supply of openers must be kept on hand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of ampoule tip storageVSAvoidquantity of openers required
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The reusable opener automatically performs the storage function by itself. After breaking the ampoule tip, the opener remains in the container and the tip falls into the recess, so the system serves itself without requiring additional disposable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If ampoule openers are carried separately, then the opening function is available, but additional tools and supplies must be transported

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailability of opening functionVSAvoidnumber of separate tools required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The opening tool and storage container are merged into one device. The opener is integrated within the container structure, so users only need to carry the container itself, which provides both opening capability and tip disposal functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If the ampoule tip is handled after breaking, then disposal can be controlled, but contact with sharp-edged glass creates injury risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of disposal processVSAvoidrisk of injury from sharp glass edges
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sharp ampoule tip is extracted from the user's hand and transferred to the container's recess immediately after breaking. The tip is taken out of the handling process and placed into a safe, enclosed storage space where it cannot cause injury.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The container recess acts as an intermediary between the breaking process and final disposal. Instead of handling the sharp tip directly, the user transfers it to the recess, which serves as a safe intermediate storage location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4049965A1Ampoule container with integrated ampoule breaker
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 LUTZ PACKAGING GMBH
  • EP4049965A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4049965A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4049965A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides for the integration of the ampoule breaker (5) into an ampoule container (3), as well as the inclusion of a receiving compartment (4) in the lid (1) of the ampoule container, which is connected to the ampoule breaker (5). With the lid (1) properly in place, the ampoule container (3) can be turned upside down, opened, and the ampoule tip, which has fallen through into the lid (1), easily removed after the ampoule tip has broken off. This is further facilitated by the receiving compartment (4), as it prevents the broken ampoule tip from falling among the other ampoules in the ampoule container (3).