Metal Sterile Container Lid with Snap-Fit Outer Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic materials used in sterile container lids are susceptible to aging and cracking under sterilization conditions, and the connection concepts for plastic lids cannot be easily transferred to metal materials, leading to inadequate mechanical resistance and protection.
Innovation Solution
A metal lid with a bolt-like connecting element that securely fastens the outer cover and frame to the lid component via a non-positive connection, eliminating the need for visible fastening means and ensuring a durable, impact-resistant assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic materials are used for sterile container lids, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to aging and cracking under sterilization conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The lid component is made of metal (aluminum or stainless steel) which provides superior resistance to aging and sterilization conditions compared to plastic materials, while the outer cover is made of plastic (polyarylsulfone) which provides ease of manufacture and good mechanical properties. This composite material approach allows the lid to withstand repeated sterilization cycles without cracking or degrading, while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Reliability
If metal materials are used for sterile container lids, then reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens due to inability to transfer plastic connection concepts
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into separate components: a metal lid component and a separate outer cover that is snap-fit onto the lid component. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its material properties - the metal lid provides structural integrity and sterilization resistance, while the plastic outer cover provides ease of manufacture and protection. The snap-fit connection simplifies assembly compared to traditional fastening methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer cover and lid component are combined through a snap-fit connection that integrates the plastic outer cover onto the metal lid component. This merging creates a unified assembly that combines the advantages of both materials - the reliability of metal with the ease of manufacture and mechanical resistance of plastic - while maintaining a simple overall structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic outer cover is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but strength deteriorates due to insufficient impact and scratch resistance after aging
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of metal lid component and plastic outer cover creates a composite structure where the metal provides superior impact and scratch resistance that remains stable after aging and sterilization, while the plastic outer cover maintains ease of manufacture and provides additional protective functions. The metal substrate prevents the plastic from degrading under mechanical stress.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lid (1) for a sterile container (2), comprising a lid component (7), in particular a lid component made of metal, on which at least one gas exchange section, in particular a perforated gas exchange section, is provided; at least one frame (17) for receiving a filter device (32) which is provided on a lid inner face (16) on the at least one gas exchange section; at least one outer cover (8), in particular an outer cover made of metal, which covers the at least one gas exchange section on a lid outer face (15); and at least one connection element (9) which is integrated onto the lid component (7) and via which the outer cover (8) can be secured to the lid outer face (15) and the frame (17) can be secured to the lid inner face (16). The invention further relates to a sterile container (2) and an outer cover (8) for such a lid (1). (Fig. 2)