Invertible Projection Seal Indicator for Sterilization Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rigid sterilization containers lack an effective means to indicate whether they are properly sealed without opening the container, making it difficult to ensure sterility from sterilization to use.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a seal indicator with an invertible projection that changes visibility based on the seal state, allowing users to determine if the container is sealed or unsealed without requiring high compression force, and integrating this indicator with the gasket/filter as a single piece component for enhanced visibility and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gasket is integrated within the sterilization container's lid to establish a seal, then the container provides a barrier against contaminants, but it becomes difficult to detect if the seal is properly formed or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The seal indicator includes a visible indicator portion that changes appearance (e.g., color, transparency, or position) based on the seal state. When the gasket is properly compressed to form a seal, the indicator portion visually confirms this state, allowing users to detect seal integrity without opening the container.
Solution Approach 2:
A seal indicator is introduced as an intermediary component between the gasket and the user. This indicator translates the physical seal state into a visible signal, mediating the information flow from the seal mechanism to the user without requiring direct observation of the seal itself.
2Loss of information
If a seal indicator is added to show seal state, then users can verify sterility without opening the container, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal indicator is merged with either the gasket or the lid as a single integrated component. This combining approach provides the necessary visual indication functionality while minimizing additional parts and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal indicator serves multiple functions: it indicates seal state, provides visual feedback on sterility maintenance, and can guide proper sealing operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If a seal indicator requires high compression force to activate, then the indicator is more reliable, but it becomes difficult to activate without proper sealing force
Solution Approach 1:
The seal indicator is designed to respond to specific compression force parameters during the sealing process. By optimizing the indicator's mechanical properties (such as durometer hardness or activation threshold), it reliably activates at appropriate sealing forces while remaining stable during normal handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal indicator provides immediate visual feedback to the user during the sealing process, confirming when adequate compression force has been applied. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable activation while guiding the user through the sealing operation, improving ease of use.
Data Source
AI summary
Seal integrity indicators for sterilization containers are provided. For example, a seal indicator may indicate whether the container is sufficiently sealed to prevent an ingress of contaminants into the container. If the container is sufficiently sealed, the seal indicator is visible, but if not, the seal indicator is not visible. Thus, the seal indicator undergoes a change in state when the sterilization container transitions from unsealed to sealed, or vice versa, such that a user may ascertain whether the container is properly sealed to maintain the container's sterility. An exemplary seal indicator includes an invertible projection formed with the container gasket that is not visible from outside the container until inverted, due to force applied by the lid, to extend through an opening in the container body. Closure mechanisms for sterilization containers also are provided.