Centering Aid for Medical Sterilization Container Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical sterilization containers face issues with ensuring proper alignment and sealing of the lid due to soft silicone seals, which lack haptic feedback and cannot prevent air leakage when the lid is placed at an angle, leading to potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A centering aid system with male and female centering devices on the lid and trough, respectively, ensures the seal contacts the lid and trough peripherally, preventing horizontal displacement and providing distinct alignment cues, using materials with higher modulus of elasticity than the seal for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a soft silicone seal is used between the container lid and container trough, then the seal can survive sterilization processes without damage, but the seal lacks haptic feedback and cannot provide distinct alignment cues to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centering aid as an intermediary component between the container lid and container trough. This centering aid provides mechanical alignment cues and haptic feedback to the user during the closing operation, while the soft silicone seal continues to perform its sealing function. The centering aid acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between the need for durable sealing and the need for user-friendly alignment feedback.
2Ease of operation
If the container lid is placed at an angle or offset on the container trough, then the lid can be easily positioned, but the seal is compromised and air can flow freely through gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The centering aid performs preliminary alignment action before the final sealing contact is made. The conical guide surfaces of the centering aid gradually guide the container lid into the correct position as it is being placed, providing continuous alignment feedback during the entire closing process. This preliminary centering action ensures that the seal is properly engaged before the lid is fully closed, preventing air leakage while maintaining ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the seal is made softer to improve sealing contact, then the seal can conform better to surfaces, but the seal becomes less suitable for correctly aligning the container lid with the container trough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the closing function into two distinct components: the centering aid handles the alignment and positioning function, while the soft silicone seal handles the sealing contact function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific purpose - the centering aid provides rigid alignment guidance, while the seal provides conforming sealing contact. The centering aid includes alignment features such as conical guide surfaces that actively guide the lid into position, compensating for the seal's inability to provide alignment feedback.
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
The centering aid ensures a tight seal and correct alignment of the lid on the trough, preventing air leakage and contamination, while allowing easy handling and visual verification of proper closure.
Implementation Method 1
The centering aid has a first centering device which is provided either on the container lid or on the container trough, and a second centering device which is provided on the other of either the container lid or the container trough. In so doing, the first and second centering devices interact in such a way as to ensure that, in the closed state of the container, the seal is in contact with the container trough and with the container lid along the entire periphery of the access opening.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a centering aid for a container having a container trough, with an access opening, a container lid and a seal. In the closed state of the container, the seal is arranged between the container trough and the container lid. The centering aid has a first centering device, which is provided on either the container lid or the container trough, and a second centering device, which is provided on the other of either the container lid or the container trough. The first and second centering devices interact in such a way as to ensure that, in the closed state of the container, the seal is in contact with the container trough and with the container lid along the entire periphery of the access opening.