Integral Knob Coupling for Sterile Containers Without Wall Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container systems with coupling mechanisms are not germ-proof, difficult to clean, and require multiple components, leading to increased production costs and handling complexities due to capillary effects and difficult geometries.
Innovation Solution
A container system with a male coupling section formed integrally in the container wall as a protruding mushroom-shaped knob with an undercut, allowing for a germ-proof, easy-to-clean connection using a push-button system or alternative designs that minimize additional components and ensure secure coupling without breaking the sterile boundary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coupling systems with screws, clamps, or rivets are used to attach components to the container, then secure connection is achieved, but penetration points are created in the container wall that compromise sterility and are difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The male coupling section is integrated directly into the container wall as a single-piece formation, merging the coupling mechanism with the container structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate fastening components (screws, clamps, rivets) that would create penetration points, thereby maintaining the sterile barrier while achieving secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The male coupling section with undercut is pre-formed as an integral part of the container wall during container manufacturing. This preliminary formation creates the coupling mechanism before any assembly operations, ensuring the container wall remains intact and sterile without requiring subsequent penetration or fastening operations.
2Reliability
If traditional coupling systems with multiple separate components are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the number of components increases leading to higher production costs and handling complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system reduces multiple separate components (screws, clamps, rivets, locking mechanisms) into a single integrated male coupling section formed in the container wall. The female coupling element on the attachment component interfaces with this single male section, dramatically reducing component count while maintaining secure attachment through the undercut geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The male coupling section with undercut serves multiple functions: it provides structural attachment, creates secure mechanical interlocking, and maintains the sterile barrier. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate fastening, locking, and sealing components that would otherwise be required.
3Reliability
If traditional coupling systems with complex geometries and undercuts are used, then secure locking is achieved, but cleaning and disinfection become difficult due to trapped fluids and geometries
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating complex internal undercuts and recesses that trap fluids, the invention forms the undercut on the external male coupling section that protrudes from the container wall. This inverts the traditional approach by placing the locking geometry on the outside, making it accessible for cleaning while maintaining secure locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The male coupling section features a rounded, mushroom-shaped head with smooth curved surfaces that protrude from the container wall. These curved geometries without sharp corners or internal recesses prevent fluid trapping and facilitate easy cleaning and disinfection, while the undercut provides sufficient locking security.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a container system (1; 101; 201; 301; 401), comprising: a container (2), in particular a medical or surgical sterile container preferably having a tub-like container vessel and/or a container cover; at least one separate coupling element (4); and at least one coupling system (6) for releasably connecting the coupling element (4) to the container (2), wherein: the coupling system (6) comprises a male coupling portion (8) formed on the container (2) and a female coupling portion (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) formed on the coupling element (4), which coupling portions can be coupled to and uncoupled from one another; the male coupling portion (8) is integrally formed in a wall (12) of the container (2) and is in the form of a protruding knob (14) having an undercut (18). The invention further relates to a method for forming a knob (14) in a container (2) according to the additional independent claim.