Integral Fastening Section for Sterile Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steril container attachment solutions require multiple components and steps, often damaging the container shell and allowing contamination, and are complex to install or replace.

Innovation Solution

A container system with an integral fastening section formed from the container wall, using deformable fastening members that create a secure, tool-free connection without additional components, ensuring the sterile barrier remains intact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If attachments are riveted to the container body, then the attachment is securely fixed, but the container shell is damaged and requires permanent sealing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment fixation strengthVSAvoidcontainer shell damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening section is formed integrally with the container wall as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate attachment components like rivets. This merging of the fastening function into the container wall itself provides secure attachment while avoiding shell damage from penetration or perforation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening section acts as an intermediary element between the container wall and the attachment. It provides a dedicated interface for attachment while maintaining the integrity of the container wall, serving as a mediator that enables secure fastening without direct damage to the shell.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple components are used for fastening, then the attachment can be securely fixed, but the device complexity increases and sterilizability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening section is integrated directly into the container wall as an integral part, eliminating the need for separate brackets, clips, or other intermediate fastening components. This single-piece design reduces complexity while maintaining secure attachment capability through the integral fastening geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If holes are created in the container wall for attachment, then the attachment can be installed, but the sterile barrier integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment installationVSAvoidsterile barrier compromise
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening section creates a localized feature on the container wall surface that provides attachment capability without penetrating through the wall. The local modification is confined to the outer surface layer, preserving the integrity of the sterile barrier while enabling attachment installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Simplifies attachment and removal processes, reduces contamination risk, and maintains the integrity of the sterile barrier by eliminating the need for additional components and complex installation steps.

Implementation Method 1

a fastening member (22) which can be transferred from a fastening position, in which it is designed to exert a securing engagement with the corresponding fastening section (12), into a deflected position, in which the fastening member (22) is deflected and/or deformed for transfer into or out of the securing engagement with the fastening section (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3551236B1Interface for fastening attachment parts to sterile containers
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 AESCULAP AG
  • EP3551236B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3551236B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP3551236B1 patent drawingFigure 9~13

AI summary

The present invention relates to a container system comprising a container (10) or a sterile container to which an attachment part (20) can be fastened. For this purpose, the sterile container has a fastening portion (12) which is formed integrally with or integrally in a closed container wall (11) of the container (10), to which the attachment part (20) can be fastened in a positive fit or locked in a spring-elastic manner.