Packaging System Intermediary Coating for Medical Device Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

During long-distance transportation, medical containers and their components can rub against the packaging, leading to wear and tear, which results in the creation of particles within the sealed packaging. These particles can contaminate the medical containers, making them unsuitable for immediate use.

Innovation Solution

A packaging system comprising a plate with projections and a tub with matching projections, where a material with a different composition and lower hardness than the plate and tub is applied between the projections to prevent direct contact and subsequent wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the holding device is made with dimensions slightly smaller than the packaging interior for ease of assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the holding device rubs against the packaging during transportation creating particles that contaminate medical containers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidparticle creation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A protective coating is applied to the holding device projections, serving as an intermediary layer between the holding device and the packaging. This coating prevents direct contact and friction between the two components during transportation, thereby eliminating particle creation while maintaining the dimensional design that enables easy assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the medical containers are transported in a sealed packaging with the holding device, then the sterility is maintained, but the particles generated during transportation remain trapped inside and contaminate the containers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesterility maintenanceVSAvoidparticle contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective coating on the holding device projections acts as a mediator that prevents particle generation in the first place. By eliminating the source of particles through the coating layer, the sealed packaging continues to maintain sterility without trapping contaminants inside.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the holding device is designed to fit tightly in the packaging for stability, then the stability is improved, but the friction increases causing wear and particle generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransportation stabilityVSAvoidwear and particle generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective coating serves as an intermediary that allows the holding device to maintain a tight fit for stability during transportation while preventing direct friction and wear between the holding device and packaging surfaces. This eliminates particle generation despite the increased contact pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If the medical containers are intended to be ready-to-use upon arrival, then the productivity is improved, but particle contamination requires cleaning before use reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveready-to-use statusVSAvoidcontamination requiring cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By applying the protective coating to prevent particle generation during transportation, the medical containers arrive in a clean, particle-free state within the sealed packaging. This maintains their ready-to-use status and eliminates the need for cleaning operations, thereby preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 application of a distinct material between the plate and tub prevents the creation of particles due to reduced friction, ensuring that medical containers remain clean and sterile upon arrival.

Implementation Method 1

the material being distinct from the plate and the tub and formed of a material having a composition different from each of a composition of the plate and a composition of the tub

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The application of a distinct material between the plate and tub prevents the creation of particles due to reduced friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP4516335A1Packaging system for transporting medical devices and method of forming such a packaging system
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 BECTON DICKINSON FRANCE SAS
  • EP4516335A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4516335A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4516335A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A packaging system for receiving medical containers or components of medical containers comprises a plate, a tub having a plurality of sidewalls defining an interior space in which the plate is received, and a material located between sidewalls of the plate and interior surfaces. The material is distinct from the plate and the tub and formed of a material having a composition different from each of a composition of the plate and a composition of the tub.