Packaging Screen for Electron Beam Decontamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging for medical products is not adequately suited for electron beam decontamination, as it can alter the products and generate ozone, posing risks to the contents and requiring complex handling and manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A packaging design featuring a screen against electron radiation attached to the cover sheet, made of high-density polyethylene filaments, with unique peripheral outlines for easy assembly and decontamination, and optionally including an additional filter to ensure safe and efficient decontamination without affecting the products inside.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electron beam decontamination is applied to packaging with selectively impervious material, then the packaging can be decontaminated throughout its thickness, but the electron beam alters the products and generates ozone that adversely affects the products and rubber components
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure is segmented into multiple functional layers: a selectively impervious material layer for sterilization gas permeability, an electron radiation screen layer for decontamination protection, and a protective bag layer for transport. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with other requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The electron radiation screen acts as an intermediary element between the electron beam and the products. It absorbs or reflects the electron beam energy, preventing direct interaction with the products and rubber components, thereby eliminating product alteration and ozone generation while still allowing the packaging to be decontaminated.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a screen against electron radiation is added to the packaging, then product protection during decontamination is improved, but the packaging complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The selectively impervious material serves multiple functions: it allows sterilization gas permeability for initial sterilization, provides a barrier to microorganisms and contamination, and when combined with the electron radiation screen, enables subsequent electron beam decontamination without product damage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging utilizes thin film structures for the selectively impervious material and protective bag, which are easy to manufacture and assemble. These flexible thin films maintain their protective functions while allowing for simple manufacturing processes and handling during various operational steps.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the packaging is designed to stop electrons through density and thickness, then product protection is achieved, but the decontamination dose required increases the complexity of the decontamination process
Solution Approach 1:
The electron radiation screen is designed as a disposable component that is integrated into the packaging structure. It performs its function of absorbing electron beam energy during decontamination and is then discarded with the packaging, eliminating the need for complex reusable shielding systems or adjustment mechanisms.
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 packaging allows for safe and efficient electron beam decontamination without altering the products, is easy to manufacture and handle, and minimizes ozone generation, ensuring sterility and product integrity throughout handling steps.
Implementation Method 1
the expression 'screen against electron radiation' is to be understood as being a screen capable of reflecting and/or partially or completely absorbing the kinetic energy of the electrons from an electron beam, and therefore of slowing or even preventing these electrons from passing through the screen
Implementation Method 2
the packaging is impervious to contamination by micro-organisms, bacteria and/or a biologically active material likely to come into contact with the packaging while it is being handled, while at the same time remaining permeable to a sterilization or decontamination by radiation or gas, for example of the ETO (ethylene oxide) type
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A packaging (1) for products, that is to be decontaminated by radiation, having at least one tub (2) having an opening (4) and a peripheral zone (5) defined about the opening, one cover sheet (3) made of a selectively impervious material and fixed to the peripheral zone of the tub so as to seal said opening imperviously, and one screen (8) against electron radiation dimensioned to substantially cover the products contained in the packaging. The screen is placed on top of the cover sheet, outside of the tub.