Biological Analysis Packaging with Gravity-Driven Desiccant Opening
Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging for biological analysis devices, such as blood sampling and reaction strips, is difficult to open, poses a risk of injury, and makes it hard to grip the device once opened, especially when using protective gloves and can result in the device falling and becoming unusable.
Innovation Solution
The packaging design features a first and second sheet joined on all sides with a rigid drying means inside, a notch for preferential folding that exerts pressure to perforate the second sheet, and a shape optimized for easy access and extraction of the analysis device, including a desiccant material and an aluminum-polymer composite laminate for safety and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the packaging uses two sealed plastic films, then the packaging provides protection and containment, but the opening becomes difficult and requires two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging uses its own internal desiccant component to perform the opening function. When the package is inverted, gravity causes the desiccant to slide along the inclined plane and perforate the seal automatically, without requiring external tools or two-handed manipulation. The packaging essentially opens itself using its built-in desiccant mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The desiccant is pre-positioned on an inclined plane within the packaging structure during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement ensures that upon inversion, the desiccant automatically moves along the predetermined path and perforates the seal at the correct location, eliminating the need for manual intervention during opening.
2Ease of operation
If the packaging is opened by piercing with the analysis device, then the opening is achieved, but the device must be rigid and robust which limits flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The opening function is extracted from the analysis device itself and transferred to a separate desiccant component within the packaging. This allows the analysis device to remain flexible and adaptable while the desiccant handles the piercing task. The desiccant acts as an independent opening mechanism that does not impose rigidity requirements on the analysis device.
3Ease of operation
If a blunt object is used to pierce the packaging, then the opening is achieved, but the handler risks injury from the piercing object
Solution Approach 1:
The desiccant serves as an intermediary element between the packaging seal and the handler. Instead of the handler directly manipulating a piercing object, the desiccant automatically performs the piercing action when the package is inverted. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for the handler to hold or control a sharp or blunt piercing object, thereby removing the injury risk.
4Ease of operation
If the two films are separated by gripping corners, then the packaging can be opened, but protective gloves make gripping difficult and the device may slip and fall
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging opens itself automatically through the gravity-driven movement of the desiccant along the inclined plane. This self-opening mechanism eliminates the need for manual gripping of the packaging corners, making the process independent of whether the handler is wearing protective gloves. The device remains securely contained during opening and is presented in a controlled manner, preventing slips and falls.
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
Enables easy one-handed opening of the packaging without risk of injury, facilitates gripping and extraction of the analysis device, and ensures the device remains secure during opening, improving handling and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
the notch being in contact with the drying means during folding of the packaging, and being configured to exert pressure on said drying means so that the free end of the drying means constitutes a means of perforation of the second sheet
Implementation Method 2
a rigid desiccation means arranged inside said package
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
The present invention relates, in general terms, to the field of analysis, for example biological analysis. Specifically, the present invention relates to an article (10), in particular for biological analysis, said article including: a first sheet (12); a second sheet (14) vertically adjacent to said first sheet (12), said first and second sheets being secured on all the sides thereof such as to form a sealed packaging; at least one analysis device (18) arranged inside said packaging; a rigid desiccation means (16), also constituting a means for piercing the first and second sheets of said packaging, to access the analysis device (18), wherein one of said first and second sheets (12, 14) comprises a recess (23) constituting a preferred folding area.