Multi-Component Medical Device Package with Segmented Cavities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging for multi-component medical devices, such as insulin infusion devices, often requires users to remove all components and follow a specific order, which can be cumbersome and difficult for users with limited dexterity, and does not provide easy access to individual components.
Innovation Solution
A package design featuring a bottom portion with cavities and a gas-permeable barrier, made from thermoformed transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, that includes informational markings for easy access and a platform to house components separately, allowing users to remove items independently and in any order, with a barrier that is easily removable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If components are placed together in a single compartment, then the packaging structure is simple, but users must remove all components and follow a specific order, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure is divided into multiple separate compartments, each housing a different component of the medical device. This segmentation allows users to access individual components independently without removing all components, directly improving ease of operation while maintaining a relatively simple overall packaging design.
2Ease of operation
If a removable sealing barrier is used, then users can access components, but it is difficult to open for users with limited dexterity, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing barrier incorporates a tear strip that transitions the opening mechanism from requiring manual manipulation of the entire seal to a simple tearing motion. This dynamic feature allows users with limited dexterity to easily initiate opening by pulling the tear strip, while the remaining barrier maintains sealing effectiveness until intentionally opened.
3Shape
If injection molded housings are used, then the desired shape for housing components is achieved, but the manufacturing process is expensive, increasing manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging uses a flexible barrier film instead of rigid injection-molded housings. This thin film approach provides adequate shape and protection while significantly reducing manufacturing cost, as flexible films can be produced more economically than custom injection-molded plastic components.
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
The package design enhances user accessibility and convenience by allowing individual component removal without disturbing others, while maintaining sterility and protecting the device during shipping, and is cost-effective with the use of renewable resource content materials.
Implementation Method 1
a gas-permeable barrier, made from thermoformed transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A package for a multi-component medical device is disclosed. The package includes a bottom portion (200, 250, 270) with cavities (204, 206, 208) providing individual access to different components (124 (128, 132, 130), 148, 144) of the medical device, thereby enabling a user to remove components from the package in any order without disturbing the remaining component or components. The package also includes a barrier affixed to the bottom portion for sealing the package.