Breathable Package with Cohesive Peel Seal Integrity Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas sterilizable packaging lacks robust visual evidence of seal integrity and is prone to generating loose fibers during opening, posing safety risks in healthcare settings.
Innovation Solution
A breathable package design featuring a film and non-woven high density polyethylene materials with a pigmented cohesive peel layer, providing a visual indication of seal integrity and preventing loose fibers upon opening, achieved through a sealed configuration with an adhesive layer and peel layer that separates without stressing the non-woven material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional non-woven material is used for breathable packaging, then sterilization and breathability are enabled, but loose fibers are generated during opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines non-woven material with a cohesive peel layer to create a composite structure. The cohesive peel layer acts as a reinforcement that prevents fiber generation during opening while maintaining the breathability and sterilization capabilities of the non-woven material. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by adding a functional layer that eliminates the harmful fiber generation effect.
2Reliability
If traditional sealing methods are used, then package sealing is achieved, but visual confirmation of seal integrity is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a color-changing indicator system into the seal structure. The indicator changes color or displays different visual characteristics based on the seal integrity status, providing immediate visual confirmation to users. This resolves the contradiction by adding visual information functionality to the sealing system without compromising the actual seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary indicator layer between the sealing components that translates the physical state of the seal into visible information. This intermediary element provides the visual confirmation function while the actual sealing mechanism remains intact and effective.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If cohesive peel layer is added for fiber prevention, then fiber generation is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin film cohesive peel layer that provides the necessary fiber prevention function while adding minimal structural complexity. The thin film nature allows it to be integrated into the existing package structure without creating significant complexity, resolving the contradiction between functionality and simplicity.
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
Ensures sterile conditions are maintained until package integrity is verified at the point of use, offering a safe and reliable visual confirmation of seal integrity without fiber generation during opening.
Implementation Method 1
the adhesive layer coupled to the first material and the pigmented cohesive peel layer coupled to the adhesive layer and the second material
Implementation Method 2
the package is sealed by applying heat and/or pressure resulting in chemical and mechanical bonding
Data Source
AI summary
A breathable package that allows a device or object disposed in the package to be sterilized, and maintains the sterile condition until the package is opened at the point of use. The package also provides a visual indication that the package seal integrity has not been compromised or that the package has been compromised or breached. The package includes a first material, such as a film, and a second non-woven material, such as non-woven high density polyethylene, that form opposing sides of the package.