Nested Tube Packaging for Sterilized Medical Implants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device sterile packaging methods, such as blister packs, trays, pouches, and tubes with plug seals, are cumbersome to manufacture, have low sealing performance, are unstable during transportation, and require subpar time and technique for sterile transfer.
Innovation Solution
A universal packaging tube with a pressure sealant, a medical device stabilizing feature, an inner holder for ergonomic support and additional barrier during transfer between non-sterile and sterile fields, and identifying features like transparency and translucent color-coding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sterile packaging methods (blister packs, trays, pouches, tubes with plug seals) are used, then manufacturing processes are simplified, but sealing performance is low and stability during transportation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is divided into multiple functional segments: an outer tube providing structural support, an inner tube containing the medical device, and a pressure sealant mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the outer tube for stability, the inner tube for containment, and the pressure sealant for superior sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the inner tube is placed inside the outer tube, with the pressure sealant positioned between them. This nested arrangement provides multiple barriers against contaminants while maintaining compact form factor and improving sealing reliability without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional packaging structures are used, then device complexity is reduced, but stability during transportation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is segmented into an outer tube for structural stability during transportation and an inner tube for device containment. This segmentation allows the outer tube to be optimized for mechanical strength and stability while the inner tube maintains simplicity for easy device access.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer tube serves multiple functions: providing structural stability during transportation, acting as a barrier against contaminants, and facilitating ergonomic handling. This multi-functionality improves stability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Loss of time
If conventional packaging methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but time and technique required for sterile transfer is subpar
Solution Approach 1:
The nested tube structure with pressure sealant enables efficient sterile transfer by allowing the inner tube to be pushed through the outer tube in a single motion. The pressure sealant maintains sterility during this transfer process, reducing both time and technical skill requirements compared to conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging is pre-configured with the pressure sealant and nested tube structure before sterilization. This preliminary arrangement allows for rapid sterile transfer during surgery without requiring complex techniques or additional preparation steps.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If additional barrier features are added during exchange between non-sterile and sterile field, then protection against contaminants is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested tube structure provides multiple barriers against contaminants - the inner tube contains the device, the outer tube provides an additional barrier, and the pressure sealant creates a hermetic seal between them. This multi-layer protection significantly reduces contaminant exposure risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer tube serves as both a protective barrier against contaminants and a structural element for stability and handling. This multi-functionality provides enhanced protection without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device and protective container assembly for a sterilized medical implant includes a base including a hollow body having a closed end and an opened end. The base includes a thread. A cap is secured about the opened end of the hollow body. The cap includes a thread that cooperates with the thread provided on the base. A storage device includes a first cup-shaped body portion and a second cup-shaped body portion cooperating together to define an interior space. Each of the first cup-shaped body portion and the second cup-shaped body portion include a flange extending about the opened end of a respective one of the first cup-shaped body portion and the second cup-shaped body portion. The storage device is received within the base.