Universal Blister Pack Opener with Resistive Feedback Blade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blister pack opening devices fail to efficiently open a variety of blister sizes and orientations, often requiring excessive force, risking product breakage, and ejecting contents uncontrolled, while being specific to certain configurations and not accommodating multiple blisters in close proximity.
Innovation Solution
A hand tool with a cutting blade and slicing arms that provides resistive feedback to minimize opening force, allowing for easy access and safe removal of products from blister packs by slicing through the lidding material with a sawing motion, accommodating various blister sizes and orientations, and allowing for partial or complete severance of blisters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single embodiment device is used to open blister packs, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate a large variety of blister sizes or orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The opener device is designed with a universal jaw structure that can accommodate multiple blister sizes and orientations through adjustable positioning mechanisms, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions across different blister configurations
2Productivity
If pressure is applied to the blister protrusion to eject the product, then the product is removed from the blister pack, but the device exerts pressure on the medicament that could potentially cause breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The opener device introduces a frangible disc as an intermediary element between the pushing mechanism and the product. This disc absorbs and distributes the applied force, preventing direct high-pressure contact with the medicament while still enabling effective product ejection through the lidding material
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device pinches the blister from the top and bottom to reach across card configurations, then it can access various blister positions, but the device becomes inconveniently long
Solution Approach 1:
The opener device is divided into segmented components including adjustable jaws and modular positioning elements that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the device to reach across various card configurations without requiring a single long structure, as each segment can be independently adjusted to the required position
4Device complexity
If a one piece device is used to pinch the blister, then the structure is simple, but it does not have clearance to be usable when a second blister exists between the blister to be opened and the hinge
Solution Approach 1:
The opener device incorporates dynamic, adjustable components rather than fixed one-piece structures. The jaws and positioning mechanisms can move and adjust their positions independently, providing the necessary clearance to operate on blisters in various positions including cases where a second blister exists between the target blister and the hinge
Data Source
AI summary
A hand tool for removing individual items contained in a blister package having an upper surface with raised protrusions with a given individual width containing each item and a lower sheet that holds the items within the protrusions. The hand tool includes a cutting blade having a piercing tip and slicing arms that extend outwardly from opposite sides of the piercing tip. Also included is a handle that is usable for urging the piercing tip through a protrusion and beneath a product item such that the blade will slice into the protrusion between the item and the package lower sheet. The configuration of the blade's piercing tip and slicing arms generate tactile force feedback to the user. The tactile force feedback guides the user to apply appropriate force to open the raised protrusion enough to empty its contents without damaging or losing the contents.