Evacuated First Aid Kit Cover for Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to reduce the volume of first aid material units in motor vehicles while maintaining compliance with industry standards for packaging and sterility, as existing solutions fail to achieve significant volume reduction without compromising the integrity of the contents.
Innovation Solution
A gas-tight and liquid-tight first aid material unit is created using a cover made of a composite film, evacuated to a specific internal pressure, and optionally shrunk to achieve a volume reduction exceeding that of traditional thermoformed packs, with gas-permeable packaging for sterile components and dust-tight, air-permeable packaging for non-sterile items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If traditional thermoformed packs with two-part construction are used, then structural integrity and ease of manufacture are maintained, but volume is excessive and does not meet space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the container and packaging into a single integrated structure. The gas-tight cover serves simultaneously as both the packaging and the container, eliminating the need for separate container and packaging components. This integration reduces the overall volume while maintaining structural integrity and protective functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible gas-tight cover made from thin film material that can be evacuated to reduce volume. The flexible nature of the film allows the structure to collapse inward when air is removed, achieving significant volume reduction while maintaining the protective enclosure for first aid materials.
2Volume of stationary object
If the cover is evacuated to reduce volume, then volume reduction is achieved, but risk of damaging contents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different packaging properties to different regions within the cover. Gas-permeable packaging is used for sterile components to allow evacuation without collapse, while dust-tight packaging is used for non-sterile components. This local differentiation protects various materials according to their specific requirements during the evacuation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary arrangement of first aid materials in an optimized, space-efficient configuration before sealing and evacuating the cover. This preliminary optimization ensures that materials are positioned to withstand the evacuation process and prevents damage during volume reduction.
3Volume of stationary object
If gas-permeable packaging is used for sterile materials, then volume reduction through evacuation is enabled, but dust protection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packaging system into different types based on material requirements. Sterile materials are placed in gas-permeable packaging that allows evacuation, while non-sterile materials are placed in dust-tight packaging. The gas-tight cover provides the outer barrier against dust and contaminants, while inner packaging provides material-specific protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite packaging system combining gas-permeable and dust-tight packaging materials within a gas-tight cover. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of volume reduction through evacuation and protection against dust contamination, with each layer performing its specific protective function.
4Volume of stationary object
If volume is reduced below theoretical minimum, then space efficiency is maximized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter by evacuating air from the gas-tight cover to achieve volume reduction. This parameter change allows the flexible film to collapse inward, reducing volume below the theoretical minimum of packed components. The manufacturing process incorporates this evacuation step along with pressing during or before evacuation to achieve optimal compactness.
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 solution achieves a volume reduction of up to 60% compared to traditional packs, maintaining the flexibility of the unit for easy insertion into various vehicle compartments without damaging the contents, while ensuring sterility and mechanical protection.
Implementation Method 1
the cover is made of a gas-tight material and the interior is evacuated to reduce volume
Implementation Method 2
it can also be provided that a further volume reduction can take place by pressing during or before the evacuation process
Data Source
AI summary
A first aid kit has to be present in all vehicles and has to include a particular number of specific items. Some of those items have to be stored under sterile conditions. The new design of a case is made of a strong air- and watertight plastic material. A vacuum is created inside after the components have been positioned adequately. The stored items can be individually wrapped into air permeable but dust protected material to be also shrunk in size. The unit is provided with an element for an easy opening.