Medical Device Packaging Suspension System Abrasion Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging containers for medical devices, such as prosthetic components, often abrade the products and generate particulate matter during transport, which can damage the devices and lead to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly with a suspension member and retainer system that suspends the product within a chamber, preventing contact with the cup wall and minimizing friction, using non-abrading materials like polyethylene glycol (PEG) or flexible materials like polyurethane to reduce abrasion and particulate formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional packaging materials (polyethylene glycol, foam, paper, cardboard) are used to surround and secure the product, then the product is protected from damage during transport, but the packaging may abrade the product surfaces and generate particulate matter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a porous barrier layer as an intermediary between the product and the packaging container. This barrier layer acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the product surfaces and the packaging materials, thereby eliminating abrasion and particulate generation while maintaining protective functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a porous barrier layer in the form of a thin film or shell that conforms to the product shape. This flexible barrier provides continuous protection against abrasion and particulate matter without rigid contact points that could cause damage
2Stability of the object's composition
If the product is directly surrounded by packaging material to secure it, then the product is stabilized during transport, but friction between the product and packaging generates particulate matter
Solution Approach 1:
The porous barrier layer serves as a mediator between the product and packaging materials, allowing the product to be stabilized and secured while preventing direct friction contact that would generate particulate matter. The barrier maintains product position without creating harmful friction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifically uses porous materials for the barrier layer, which provide both mechanical support for product stability and filtration properties that prevent particulate matter generation and entrapment
3Strength
If porous packaging materials are used to pad the product, then the product is cushioned from impact damage, but the packaging can abrade smooth articulating surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packaging system into distinct functional layers: an outer packaging structure for impact resistance and an inner porous barrier layer for surface protection. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other
Solution Approach 2:
The porous barrier layer acts as an intermediary between the impact-absorbing packaging and the product surfaces, allowing the packaging to provide cushioning while the barrier prevents direct contact and abrasion of smooth articulating surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A container member including a rigid cup portion defining a chamber. The container member has an opening at one end in communication with the chamber and a flexible suspension member extending over the opening. The suspension member has an inner surface facing the chamber, an opposing outer surface and a cavity extending from the outer surface to the inner surface. The cavity is in communication with the chamber and sized to receive at least a portion of the product to be packaged therethrough. The container assembly includes a retainer having a retaining member removably positioned to extend over the cavity. The retaining member holds the at least a portion of the product in position in the chamber such that the at least a portion of the product does not contact the cup portion.