Multi-chamber Container with Fracture Recesses for Controlled Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-chamber container systems fail to effectively maintain separation of multiple solutions until necessary, prevent degradation of swab applicators and solutions, and provide a visual indicator for sufficient mixing, particularly in medical applications where glass shards and contamination are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chamber container apparatus with separate or connected chambers, each having a fracture recess for controlled breaking and exposure, featuring a swab or applicator in one chamber and a solution in another, with optional fin separation and transparent materials for visual mixing confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glass is used for vials and ampoules, then the material is useful for holding solutions, but glass has a tendency to shatter upon breaking, creating risk of glass shards within the solution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces durable glass containers with disposable thermoplastic containers that are designed for single use. This eliminates the risk of glass shard contamination while maintaining solution containment reliability. The thermoplastic containers are discarded after one use, preventing any potential contamination issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thermoplastic materials as an alternative to glass. These polymers provide the necessary containment properties without the shattering risk of glass. The thermoplastic material can be engineered to have appropriate strength, flexibility, and chemical compatibility for holding medical solutions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If thermoplastics are used for containers, then they prevent glass shattering and are easier to shape, but thermoplastics are relatively difficult to break, requiring built-in weakness points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-formed weakness points or fracture lines into the thermoplastic container structure during manufacturing. These predetermined locations are designed to break cleanly when force is applied, allowing controlled opening without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms. The weakness points are created in advance to guide the breaking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed with segmented or divided wall structures that create natural fracture lines. This segmentation allows the container to break into manageable pieces along predetermined paths, simplifying the opening process while maintaining overall structural integrity during use.
3Reliability
If multiple solutions are placed in separate chambers, then solutions remain separated and prevent degradation, but the device complexity increases with multiple chambers and separation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested chamber structure where smaller chambers are positioned within or alongside larger chambers. This nesting arrangement allows multiple solutions to be kept separate in individual chambers while maintaining a compact overall form factor. The nested design reduces the total volume required compared to completely separate external containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed with pre-formed fracture lines that guide breaking patterns. When force is applied, the container breaks along these predetermined lines to release the solutions in a controlled manner. This preliminary structuring of fracture paths simplifies the opening mechanism while maintaining reliable solution separation during storage.
4Loss of information
If the container is made transparent, then visual confirmation of mixing is possible, but the material selection becomes more limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent may incorporate color indicators or visual markers into the transparent or translucent container walls. These color changes or visual cues provide clear indication of mixing status, solution presence, or chamber integrity. The visual indicators are integrated into the polymer structure or applied as coatings that do not compromise the container's chemical compatibility or structural properties.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to multi-chamber containers. Specifically, the multi-chamber containers comprise, generally, a first container having a swab or applicator contained therein and a second container having a solution therein. In various embodiments, a first container may comprise a fracture recess for breaking and removing the swab or applicator, and a second container may further comprise a fracture recess for opening and exposing the solution. In embodiments, first and second containers are disposed separately, or connectedly side-by-side. In embodiments, a second container is contained within a first container.