Helical Detachable Connecting Element for Medical Device Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging arrangements for medical devices, such as catheter systems, face limitations in design complexity and flexibility due to the use of hinges, which restrict the relative movement of packaging parts and require sophisticated designs.

Innovation Solution

A detachable connecting element with a first and second connecting element part that allows for rotational or helical movement around a connecting element axis, enabling a transfer from a linking state to a non-linking state. This element includes protrusions and recesses with curved sidewalls and slopes, facilitating a secure connection and easy detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a hinge is used to connect packaging parts, then the packaging parts remain closely together, but the design becomes sophisticated and movement flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging parts remaining closely togetherVSAvoidsophisticated design of packaging parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is divided into two separate parts: a first connecting element part integrated with the first packaging part, and a second connecting element part integrated with the second packaging part. These parts can be easily separated without requiring complex hinge mechanisms, thus reducing design sophistication while maintaining stability when connected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting function is extracted from the packaging parts themselves and implemented through a separate, dedicated connecting element. This allows the packaging parts to have simpler designs while the connecting element handles the complexity of maintaining connection and enabling controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a hinge is used to connect packaging parts, then the packaging parts remain closely together, but the freedom of movement between parts is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging parts remaining closely togetherVSAvoidfreedom of movement between packaging parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element enables dynamic movement between packaging parts through rotational or helical motion around a connecting element axis. The curved sidewalls with slopes facilitate this dynamic movement while maintaining connection, allowing the packaging parts to move freely relative to each other while remaining closely together when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element incorporates curved protrusion sidewalls and curved recess sidewalls with slopes. These curved surfaces enable rotational or helical movement around the connecting element axis, providing freedom of movement while maintaining a secure connection between packaging parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If protrusions and recesses with curved sidewalls and slopes are used, then rotational or helical movement is enabled, but the connection must be secure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational or helical movement capabilityVSAvoidsecure connection between connecting element parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusion and recess are designed with asymmetric curved sidewalls having specific slope orientations. This asymmetry ensures that the parts can easily move relative to each other in the intended rotational or helical direction, while the geometric interlocking provides a secure connection that prevents unintended separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS20250161628A1Packaging arrangement for a medical device and connecting element for such a packaging arrangement

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 BIOTRONIK AG

AI summary

A detachable connecting element for a packaging arrangement includes a first connecting element part and a second connecting element part configured for relative movement with respect to each other around a connecting element axis (R) by a rotational or helical movement to transfer the detachable connecting element from a linking state to a non-linking state. The second connecting element part includes at least one protrusion. The first connecting element part includes at least one recess configured to incorporate the at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion includes at least one curved protrusion sidewall. The at least one recess includes at least one curved recess sidewall. The at least one curved protrusion sidewall or the at least one curved recess sidewall includes a slope.