Integrated Medical Packaging Waste Container Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing packaging systems for medical consumables, such as disposable cannulas, require separate logistics and incur high storage and transport costs due to the need for dedicated plastic waste containers, which are not integrated with the outer cartons, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage during transport.

Innovation Solution

A trough-like plastic waste container is integrated into the outer carton packaging, with a closed bottom and a lid that serves as part of the packaging, allowing for safe storage and transport of used medical consumables, reducing logistics costs and enhancing product protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate plastic waste containers are delivered independently from outer boxes containing medical consumables, then the waste container can be properly designed to accommodate sharp-edged consumables, but this requires separate logistics and additional outer packaging, leading to high storage and transport costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of medical consumablesVSAvoidlogistics system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the outer box containing medical consumables with the plastic waste container into a single integrated packaging unit. The outer box is designed to function both as protective packaging for new consumables and as a waste container after use, eliminating the need for separate waste container logistics and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate plastic waste containers are delivered independently from outer boxes containing medical consumables, then the waste container can be properly designed to accommodate sharp-edged consumables, but this leads to high storage and transport costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of medical consumablesVSAvoidstorage and transport costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the protective outer box with the waste container function, allowing the same packaging structure to serve dual purposes. This eliminates redundant transportation of separate waste containers and reduces storage space requirements, thereby lowering logistics costs and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of stationary object

If the plastic waste container is integrated into the outer carton, then storage and transport volume is reduced, but the container must be designed to prevent damage to consumables during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging volumeVSAvoidimpact damage during transport
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a foam insert within the integrated packaging structure that provides cushioning protection for medical consumables during transport. This pre-built protective element absorbs impacts and prevents damage while maintaining a compact integrated design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If the lid is non-detachably connected to the plastic waste container, then the container can be closed securely, but the lid must be accommodated within the outer carton during delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure securityVSAvoidpackaging volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the lid to nest within the outer carton during delivery, fitting into an allocated space within the packaging structure. After use, the lid is attached to the waste container to provide secure closure, achieving both compact storage and reliable sealing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2593381B1Package for medical consumable products
Publication Date: 2016.09.07 SARSTEDT AG & CO KG
  • EP2593381B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2593381B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2593381B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a medical supplies packaging, comprising an outer box (2) which is open on an upper face and in which a number of medical supplies, in particular disposable cannulas, are accommodated, wherein a tub-like plastic waste container (13) accommodating the medical supplies (17) is arranged in the outer box (2) for later accommodating the supplies (17) after use thereof, wherein an opening side (16) of said container, which can be closed by means of a lid (9) that is arranged between the a closed bottom face (18) of the plastic waste container (13) and an upper face (3) of the outer box (2) and comprises an insertion opening (21) for used medical supplies (17), faces a lower face (15) of the outer box (2) and the closed bottom face (18) of said container faces the upper face (3) of the outer box (2).