Flip Cover Closure for Sterile Fluid Packages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current closure systems for sterile fluid packages, particularly those made of polymers, are difficult to open and pose a risk of contamination due to sharp edges when the aluminum cap is torn, and existing polymers are too tough to tear easily, making them inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

A package with a plastic bottle, a stopper, a cap, and a removable flip cover that provides easy access to the stopper while maintaining sterility, featuring a tamper-evident design and two-stage legs to secure the flip cover in place, ensuring the package remains sealed until intentionally opened.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an aluminum cap is used and torn away to access the stopper, then the stopper can be accessed, but sharp edges are left that can puncture surgical gloves and human skin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to stopperVSAvoidsharp edges

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful function (sharp edges) is extracted from the system by replacing the torn aluminum cap with a flip-top cap that opens without tearing, eliminating the source of sharp edges while preserving access to the stopper

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The aluminum cap is replaced with a disposable flip-top cap made of flexible material that is designed to be opened once and discarded, eliminating the need for tearing and the resulting sharp edges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If polymers suitable for autoclaving temperatures are used, then sterility is maintained, but the polymers are very tough to tear making them difficult to open

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesterilityVSAvoidease to open

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The material properties are changed by using flexible polymer materials that maintain autoclavability while having lower tear strength, and the cap design incorporates a hinge that concentrates stress to enable easy opening despite the tough material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The cap transitions from a static sealed state to a dynamic opening state through a hinge mechanism that allows controlled movement and easy opening while maintaining integrity during sterilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a flip cover is made removable and easy to open, then user friendliness is improved, but the risk of contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser friendlinessVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flip-top cap is designed with a hinge and engagement features that maintain the sealed state during handling and transport, with opening actions pre-defined to minimize exposure and contamination risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The flip-top cap acts as an intermediary barrier that can be easily opened for access but maintains sterility when closed, providing a user-friendly interface that reduces contamination risk through its design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2760754B1package

Publication Date: 2018.04.25 GE HEALTHCARE AS

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a package, and more particularly to a package for sterile fluids, such as contrast media. More particularly the invention relates to a package comprising a container, a stopper (40), a cap (50) and a flip cover (60).