Interlocking Rib Frame for Medical Injection Reel Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current packaging for medical injection devices is inefficient in terms of material usage, weight, and cost, while also failing to adequately protect the devices from shocks and unintentional activation.

Innovation Solution

A packaging system comprising a base tray with interlocking flat ribs and peripheral openings, made from corrugated polystyrene or cardboard, which forms a stable frame to enclose the reel of medical injection devices, reducing material and weight while providing protection through a three-dimensional skeletal structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional packaging with base tray, cover, and vacuum sealed bag is used, then the medical injection devices are protected from contamination and shocks, but the material usage, weight, and cost are excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from contamination and shocksVSAvoidpackaging weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging is divided into functional components: a base tray for support, interlocking flat ribs for structural framework, and a vacuum sealed bag for contamination protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall material usage while maintaining protection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a traditional box-like three-dimensional packaging to a two-dimensional flat packaging structure with interlocking ribs that form a frame. This dimensional change reduces material usage and weight while maintaining the protective function through the skeletal frame structure that encloses the reel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from contamination and shocksVSAvoidmaterial usage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum sealed bag is replaced by a rigid skeletal frame structure made from interlocking flat ribs. This thin-walled but structurally sound frame provides adequate protection without the excessive material usage of traditional packaging, achieving protection with minimal substance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If traditional packaging with base tray, cover, and vacuum sealed bag is used, then the medical injection devices are protected from contamination and shocks, but the manufacturing process is complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from contamination and shocksVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interlocking flat ribs automatically assemble themselves through mutual engagement of slots, forming a stable frame structure without requiring complex assembly operations. This self-assembling mechanism simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while maintaining structural integrity for protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If traditional packaging with base tray, cover, and vacuum sealed bag is used, then the medical injection devices are protected from contamination and shocks, but excessive bubble wrap is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from shocksVSAvoidexcessive bubble wrap

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flat ribs are designed with curved surfaces that conform to the shape of the reel, creating a snug fit that enhances protection. The curved geometry of the ribs allows them to absorb and distribute shock forces more effectively than flat surfaces, reducing the need for excessive cushioning materials like bubble wrap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS11052187B2Packaging for a reel of medical injection devices

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 BECTON DICKINSON HLDG

AI summary

A packaging for a reel of medical injection devices includes a base tray configured for supporting the reel and at least a first flat rib and a second flat rib. Each rib includes a respective slot arranged such that the ribs can be interlocked with one another by mutual engagement of the slots. The base tray includes at least two pairs of peripheral openings. Each opening is configured to receive an end of the ribs, so that the base tray and interlocked flat ribs engaging the base tray form a frame configured for enclosing the reel.