Eyewash Container Terminal Sterilization Indicator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eyewash storage and delivery containers fail to ensure sterility and tamper-proofing, particularly in emergency situations, as they often require separate sterilization of components and may require multiple fillings, which can be time-consuming and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-indicated eyewash dispensing container with a sealed dispensing cap and removable cover that allows for terminal sterilization after filling, ensuring the eyewash fluid and dispensing component remain sterile and tamper-proof, facilitating quick and direct delivery of eyewash fluid to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional containers sterilize fluid and container separately before filling, then sterilization can be achieved, but sterility cannot be ensured until use and requires complex manufacturing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the container and fluid into a single terminally sterilizable unit. The container is designed with a terminal sterilization indicator that changes color when sterilization is complete, allowing verification that both container and fluid are sterile without separate sterilization steps or complex manufacturing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is pre-prepared with a terminal sterilization indicator system that activates during sterilization. This preliminary setup allows the indicator to automatically show when sterilization is complete, eliminating the need for complex post-sterilization verification procedures.
2Ease of operation
If separate dispensing cups are used for eyewash delivery, then fluid can be delivered to eyes, but additional time is required for filling and refilling which aggravates eye injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the dispensing cup directly into the container as a built-in component. The cup is permanently attached and pre-filled with fluid, eliminating the need for separate filling operations. Users simply remove the cup from the container and apply it to the eye, reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated dispensing cup is designed as a single-use component. After one application, the entire container with cup is discarded, eliminating the need to refill or clean the cup. This disposable approach ensures sterility and minimizes time loss for emergency treatments.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional containers lack tamper indicators on dispensing components, then manufacturing is simpler, but sterility and tamper status of eyecup cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a terminal sterilization indicator that changes color when the container and fluid undergo terminal sterilization. This visual color change provides immediate verification that the eyecup and fluid are sterile and have not been tampered with, while adding minimal manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tamper-proofing mechanisms with a simple chemical/physical indicator system. The terminal sterilization indicator uses color-changing materials that automatically indicate sterilization status, eliminating the need for complex mechanical locks or seals while providing reliable tamper verification.
4Reliability
If terminal sterilization is performed by irradiating or steam treating packaged product, then complete sterilization is achieved, but containers must be made of materials that permit the process without losing structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects container materials with specific properties that are compatible with terminal sterilization processes. The container is made from materials that can withstand irradiation or steam treatment temperatures and radiation levels without degrading, while the terminal sterilization indicator is chosen to change color at the appropriate sterilization parameters.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
Figure 3
AI summary
An eyewash dispensing container to store and deliver an eyewash fluid that is particularly suitable for terminal sterilization. The container includes a base and a locking lid with a tamper indicator. The container is able to be opened quickly and deliver the eyewash fluid directly to an eye of a user.