Implant Container Sleeve and Holder for Compact Sterile Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implant containers are bulky, difficult to identify the type and size of implants, and require unnecessary sterilization of entire trays, leading to inefficiencies in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
Individual implant containers with a single sterile barrier, featuring an outer sleeve and inner holder that constrain and orient the implant, allowing easy identification and handling while maintaining sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple containers are nested within one another to protect the implant, then the implant is well-protected during handling and storage, but the overall size of the packaged implant becomes too large to easily accommodate in storage facilities and surgical preparation areas
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is divided into three distinct segments: an outer sleeve that provides structural protection and identification, an inner holder that directly contacts and secures the implant, and a cap that seals the assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a compact overall size when nested together.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner holder and cap are designed to nest within the outer sleeve, creating a compact packaged configuration for storage and transport. The nested structure minimizes the volume of the packaged implant while providing multiple protective barriers. The components separate easily during surgical use, allowing the implant to be accessed without removing the entire container assembly.
2Reliability
If implants are packaged in individual containers, then sterility is maintained during handling, but it becomes difficult to discern what size or type of implant is within a container
Solution Approach 1:
The outer sleeve incorporates color-coding and visual indicators that correspond to specific implant types and sizes. These visual cues allow surgical personnel to quickly identify the contents of each container without opening it, maintaining sterility while providing essential identification information. The labeling system includes markings visible through the container wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer sleeve acts as an intermediary that communicates implant information to the user without requiring direct contact with or opening of the sterile inner holder. The sleeve's labeling, coloring, and visual features convey implant specifications while the sterile barrier remains intact.
3Volume of moving object
If a single sterile barrier is used to contain the implant, then the container size is minimized for efficient storage and handling, but the implant may be more vulnerable to contamination during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The sterile barrier system is segmented into the outer sleeve and the inner holder with its cap. The outer sleeve provides the first line of protection and can be handled without compromising the sterile field. The inner holder, which directly contacts the implant, remains sealed within the sleeve until the moment of use, providing a second protective barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer sleeve is prepared and labeled in advance, allowing the inner holder to remain sealed and sterile until the last moment. The sleeve can be opened and the implant prepared for surgery while the inner holder maintains its sterile seal until the implant is ready to be transferred to the sterile field.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are implant containers and methods for using same. The implant containers disclosed herein can utilize a single sterile barrier to contain the implant, thereby minimizing a size of the container to facilitate efficient storage and handling of implants while within a container. Further, the implant containers and methods disclosed herein can facilitate ready identification of an implant type and/or size contained within, ease of manufacture of the container, ease of assembly during manufacture, ease of use in removing the implant from the container, etc.