Multi-Panel Sterilization Wrap with Shear-Resistant Adhesive Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disposable sterilization wraps require excessive material and complex folding techniques, making it difficult and time-consuming to wrap and unwrap sterilization trays, which can lead to contamination and increased costs due to improper handling and re-sterilization needs.
Innovation Solution
A disposable flexible multi-panel sterilization assembly with an integrated fastening system, featuring a barrier panel and fold protection panel, and adhesive panel attachment means that secure the edges with greater resistance to shear force than peel force, simplifying the wrapping and unwrapping process while reducing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional disposable sterilization wrap is used with traditional folding techniques, then sterility can be maintained through tortuous paths, but the wrapping process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization wrap is divided into multiple panels (first panel, second panel, third panel, fourth panel) that can be independently folded and positioned. This segmentation allows for systematic wrapping that maintains sterility while reducing the complexity and time of the wrapping process compared to traditional single-sheet folding techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are pre-configured with adhesive attachment means and fold lines during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time folding decisions during wrapping, allowing healthcare providers to quickly and reliably maintain sterility without time-consuming manual folding techniques.
2Reliability
If excessive material is used to create tortuous paths, then sterility is protected against pressure changes, but material usage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using excessive material to create tortuous paths, the invention segments the wrap into multiple panels that form a structured multi-chamber configuration. This segmentation provides effective sterility protection against pressure changes while using material more efficiently, as each panel serves a specific functional purpose in the overall protective structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different panels are designed with specific local properties - some panels provide barrier protection, others provide structural support, and adhesive regions provide sealing. This local quality optimization ensures sterility protection is achieved where needed without wasting material in areas where it is not required, reducing overall material usage while maintaining protective reliability.
3Reliability
If complex folding techniques are employed, then sterility can be maintained, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap is divided into clearly defined panels with predetermined fold lines and adhesive attachment means. This segmentation transforms complex folding techniques into simple, intuitive panel assembly operations, greatly improving ease of operation while maintaining sterility through the structured multi-chamber configuration that the panels create.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive attachment means are designed to self-align and secure panels in the correct positions during wrapping. This self-service feature eliminates the need for complex manual folding techniques and precise positioning, allowing healthcare providers to easily maintain sterility through intuitive panel assembly rather than complicated folding procedures.
4Reliability
If traditional wrapping methods are used, then sterility can be achieved, but productivity decreases due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented panel design with predetermined fold lines and adhesive attachment means enables rapid assembly that maintains sterility. This segmentation transforms the wrapping process from a time-consuming complex folding operation into an efficient panel assembly task, significantly improving productivity while achieving the same sterility reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-configuring panels with adhesive attachment means and fold lines during manufacturing, the invention eliminates time-consuming real-time folding decisions. This preliminary action allows healthcare providers to quickly assemble sterile wraps with high productivity while maintaining sterility through the structured multi-chamber configuration.
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 significantly reduces the time and complexity of wrapping and unwrapping sterilization trays, enhances sterility by minimizing exposure to contaminants, and decreases material usage, thereby lowering costs and improving efficiency in sterile processing.
Implementation Method 1
adhesive panel attachment means that secure the edges with greater resistance to shear force than peel force
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4E
Figure 5A~5E
AI summary
A disposable flexible multi-panel sterilization assembly incorporating an integrated fastening system. The disposable flexible multi-panel sterilization assembly includes a barrier panel formed from a sheet of barrier material having at least one panel edge. The barrier panel is configured to be folded around content to be sterilized to form a package. The assembly further includes a fold protection panel extending from the barrier panel. The fold protection panel includes a proximal end generally adjacent the barrier panel and a distal end generally opposite the proximal end such that the distal end of the fold protection panel covers the one or more panel edges of the barrier panel after the barrier panel is in the folded configuration. The integrated fastening system is barrier panel attachment means located on a portion of the barrier panel for securing one or more panel edges of the barrier panel in a folded configuration around content to be sterilized. The barrier panel attachment means are configured to secure the one or more panel edges in a folded configuration.