Multi-panel sterilization wrap with side tabs and fold protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disposable sterilization wraps require excessive material for wrapping and unwrapping, leading to inefficiencies and sterility issues due to redundant material usage and the need for manual manipulation, especially during rapid processing in medical settings.
Innovation Solution
A flexible multi-panel sterilization assembly with a permeable barrier panel, side tabs for grip, and a fold protection panel that reduces material usage and prevents the wrap from folding back onto itself during unwrapping, featuring a unique geometry and attachment means for secure folding and easy unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional disposable sterilization wrap is used with standard fold techniques, then articles can be wrapped for sterilization, but excessive material is required and manipulation becomes difficult during rapid processing
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 each panel to be manipulated separately, reducing the complexity of handling large expanses of material while maintaining complete coverage for sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
Grip tabs are provided on the panels to serve as intermediaries for manipulation. These tabs provide designated locations for fingers to grasp and control the panels during folding and unwrapping, eliminating the need to manipulate large areas of material directly and enabling rapid processing while maintaining sterility.
2Reliability
If large sheets of conventional disposable sterilization wrap are used, then sterility can be maintained during sterilization, but excessive material must be manipulated during wrapping and unwrapping
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap is segmented into multiple panels that can be folded in a systematic sequence. This allows the large surface area needed for sterility to be managed through controlled, step-by-step folding rather than manipulating the entire sheet at once, significantly reducing the time required for wrapping and unwrapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are pre-configured with fold lines and grip tabs that guide the folding sequence. This preliminary structuring allows the user to quickly follow the predetermined folding path without needing to figure out the wrapping technique during time-critical procedures, enabling rapid yet sterile wrapping and unwrapping.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional fold techniques are used, then wrapping can be achieved, but touch points or grip locations are not provided for subsequent unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
Grip tabs are provided as intermediary elements that serve as designated touch points for manipulation. These tabs extend from the panels and provide convenient locations for fingers to grasp during both wrapping and unwrapping, making the process intuitive and easy to perform without requiring experience or skill.
4Reliability
If experienced personnel perform wrapping, then reliable fold configuration can be achieved, but scheduling and cost pressures require faster processing
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap is divided into panels with predetermined fold lines that guide the folding sequence. This segmentation creates a systematic approach that maintains fold configuration integrity even when performed quickly by less experienced personnel, enabling high-speed processing without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are pre-structured with fold lines and grip tabs that establish the correct folding sequence before use. This preliminary configuration allows anyone to quickly and reliably create the proper fold configuration without needing extensive training or experience, significantly increasing processing speed while maintaining integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4E
Figure 5A~5E
AI summary
The invention refers to a flexible multi-panel sterilization assembly comprising: a barrier panel comprising a sheet of barrier material, the sheet defining at least one panel edge, the barrier panel configured to fold into side portions and an end portion to form a package; side tabs extending diametrically from a portion of the barrier panel for sequentially positioning the side portions of the barrier panel in a folded configuration over the end portion, and providing grips for simultaneously unfolding the folded side portions of the barrier panel; and a fold protection panel extending from the barrier panel, the fold protection panel including: a proximal end generally adjacent the barrier panel, a distal end generally opposite the proximal end; and wherein the distal end of the fold protection panel covers the one or more panel edges of the barrier panel and the side tabs after folding the side and end portions of the barrier panel.