Multi-Chamber Bag for Sterilization and Residual Agent Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sterilizing items, such as medical devices, involve cumbersome multi-step processes using multiple containers or bags, which are labor-intensive, costly, and lack control over residual sterilization agents and moisture, resulting in inefficient packaging.
Innovation Solution
A bag with multiple compartments, comprising a porous and gas-impervious portions, allows for independent sterilization and storage of items, with a sterilizing agent introduced through one compartment and residual agents absorbed in another, using charcoal elements, while maintaining sterility and reducing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple containers or bags are used for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but process complexity and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (sterilization, packaging, and residual agent control) into a single integrated bag structure. The bag includes a sterilizable compartment for items and a treatment compartment for residual agents, with a shared wall that allows controlled interaction between compartments. This eliminates the need for separate containers and multi-step processes while maintaining sterilization effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The single bag structure performs multiple functions: it serves as both the sterilization container and the final packaging, while also providing control over residual sterilization agents through the integrated treatment compartment. The shared wall with controlled permeability enables the bag to simultaneously maintain sterility and allow residual agent management.
2Reliability
If multiple containers or bags are used for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but material consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple containers into a single bag structure, reducing material consumption. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate sterilization containers and outer packaging bags, thereby reducing overall material usage while maintaining the necessary sterilization effectiveness through the shared wall design.
3Device complexity
If conventional packaging is used, then simplicity is maintained, but control over residual sterilization agents and moisture is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interior of the bag into distinct compartments: a sterilizable compartment for items and a treatment compartment for residual agents. The shared wall between compartments provides controlled permeability, allowing the treatment compartment to manage residual sterilization agents and moisture while maintaining the sterility of the item compartment. This segmentation enables effective control over harmful factors while preserving overall packaging simplicity.
4Reliability
If multiple containers are used, then sterilization control is improved, but production time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sterilization and packaging steps into a single integrated process using one bag structure. The shared wall design allows simultaneous control over sterilization and residual agent management, eliminating the need for sequential multi-container processes and thereby improving production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag is pre-configured with the shared wall and compartment structure before sterilization, allowing the sterilization process to proceed without intermediate steps. The treatment compartment is ready to receive and manage residual agents immediately after sterilization, eliminating delays associated with transferring items between containers.
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 solution provides efficient, cost-effective sterilization and storage by minimizing material use and labor, while ensuring control over residual agents and moisture, enhancing the sterility and usability of packaged items.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a sterilizing agent into the second compartment such that the sterilizing agent passes through the porous portion of the first sheet and into the first compartment
Implementation Method 2
positioning a charcoal element into the second compartment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A bag, including a first sheet including a porous portion and a gas-impervious portion, the first sheet having: a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends; a second sheet attached to the first surface of the first sheet to define a first compartment between the first and second sheets; and a third sheet attached to the second surface of the first sheet to define a second compartment between the first and third sheets, wherein the second compartment is longitudinally offset from the first compartment.