Clamshell Packaging for Assay Plates Without Foam Inserts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current packaging of assay plates is labor-intensive, costly, and generates significant waste due to the use of protective materials like foam inserts and bubble wrap, which are discarded after use.

Innovation Solution

A clamshell package design comprising an upper and lower shell with integrated hinge, featuring buttress elements and grooves/protrusions to securely hold assay plates, allowing for efficient stacking and secure storage, while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional protective packaging materials (foam inserts, bubble wrap) are used, then the assay plates are protected during shipping, but the packaging becomes more complex and generates significant waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of assay platesVSAvoidpackaging structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function previously provided by separate foam inserts and bubble wrap is merged into the clamshell package structure itself. The molded shell incorporates integrated protective features such as recesses, protrusions, and contoured surfaces that directly contact and protect the assay plates, eliminating the need for additional protective materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamshell package uses a molded shell structure with integrated protective elements. The shell is designed with specific geometric features (recesses, protrusions, contoured surfaces) that provide protection through its structure alone, replacing traditional flexible protective materials like foam and bubble wrap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If traditional protective packaging materials are used, then the assay plates are protected, but additional materials and disposal costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of assay platesVSAvoidwaste from discarded packaging

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is merged into the primary package structure. The clamshell shell itself provides protection through its molded design, eliminating the need for separate protective materials that would be discarded after use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The design eliminates the need for disposable protective materials by incorporating protection into a reusable or recyclable clamshell structure. The integrated design means no additional materials are consumed and discarded.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual assembly of plates into stacks and placement into pouches is performed, then the packaging process is flexible, but labor intensity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in packagingVSAvoidpackaging speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamshell package is segmented into an upper and lower shell that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The plates are organized in stacks within the cavity, and the two-shell design allows for quick loading and unloading, maintaining flexibility while improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The package cavity is pre-configured with support surfaces, recesses, and protrusions that guide and secure the plates in their proper positions. This preliminary structural preparation eliminates the need for manual adjustment and assembly steps, speeding up the packaging process while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If multiple protective elements and ancillary documents are added, then the assay plates are better protected and instructed, but the overall package size and handling complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection and instruction provisionVSAvoidhandling of package

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions (protection, instruction provision, structural support) are merged into the clamshell package structure. Instructions can be printed directly on the shell surfaces, and protective features are integrated into the mold, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamshell package serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the plates structurally, provides instructions through printed surfaces, organizes multiple plates in stacks, and facilitates handling through its design features. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective elements and ancillary documents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12448177B2Packaging for plates

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 MESO SCALE TECH LLC

AI summary

The disclosure is directed to a package for containing a plurality of substantially rectangular assay plates, each plate having a peripheral flange. In one embodiment, the package comprises a cavity having extending therein one or more sloped buttress elements spaced across at least a portion of a top corner, and one or more adjacent protrusions extending from the bottom and at least partially up one or both sidewalls, each set of protrusions forming grooves therebetween into which fit the flanges of respective assay plates. The package can comprise a transparent polymer through which product information located on the assay plates can be read or scanned.