Reusable Packaging Bag Segmentation for Sterilization Venting and Waste Disposal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Home dialysis patients face challenges in managing and disposing of used medical supplies, as existing packaging solutions are not reusable and contribute to waste generation, while requiring sterilization methods like ethylene oxide that necessitate ventilation slits which are not efficiently utilized for waste containment.

Innovation Solution

Reusable packaging bags with a perforated design that allows for the removal of a sterilized item while leaving handles for re-use, incorporating an elongated ventilation slit for sterilant venting and subsequent use for waste storage, allowing the bag to be tied closed for secure disposal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If packaging bags include ventilation slits for sterilization, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the bags become single-use and generate waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidpackaging waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging bag is segmented into two functional parts: a reusable main body and a removable top portion. The ventilation slit is integrated into the reusable main body to maintain sterilization capability, while the removable top portion can be discarded after use. This segmentation allows the bag to be used for sterilization and then reused for waste disposal without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If packaging bags are designed for single-use sterilization, then sterilization function is achieved, but reusability for waste disposal is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization functionVSAvoidreusability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging bag is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: first as a sterilization container with ventilation slits, and second as a waste disposal bag after the top portion is removed. The reusable main body retains the ventilation slits for sterilization and can subsequently be used to collect and dispose of medical waste, eliminating the need for separate sterilization and waste bags.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If ventilation slits are included in packaging bags, then sterilant can vent effectively, but the bags cannot be securely closed for waste disposal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilant venting efficiencyVSAvoidclosure security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bag is segmented into a reusable main body containing the ventilation slits and a removable top portion that can be securely closed. After sterilization, the top portion is removed and discarded, leaving the main body which can be tied closed using integrated handles for secure waste disposal, thus resolving the conflict between venting efficiency and closure security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Loss of substance

If packaging bags are made reusable, then waste is reduced, but sterilization ventilation capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste reductionVSAvoidsterilization ventilation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the bag into reusable and disposable portions, the ventilation slits are preserved in the reusable main body to maintain sterilization capability, while the removable top portion is discarded after use. This allows the bag to be reused for waste disposal without compromising the ventilation capability needed for sterilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables the reuse of packaging bags for both sterilized medical supplies and waste disposal, reducing waste and improving the efficiency of sterilant ventilation, thus addressing the need for a more sustainable and practical solution for home dialysis waste management.

Implementation Method 1

ventilation slit for introducing ethylene oxide into the packaging bags for sterilization and/or for allowing ethylene oxide to exit out of the packaging bags

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

allowing ethylene oxide to exit out of the packaging bags

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11479397B2Reusable packaging bags and related methods

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

The disclosed packaging bags may include a flexible front sidewall and a flexible rear sidewall with at least a first closed edge, second closed edge, and third closed edge coupling the front sidewall to the rear sidewall. A perforation may be formed through the flexible front sidewall and the flexible rear sidewall along the first closed edge. The perforation may extend in a first segment from the first closed edge toward a central region of the packaging bag, in a second segment in a direction along the first closed edge, and in a third segment back to the first closed edge. The second segment may include at least one elongated ventilation slit. Various other related packaging bags and methods are also disclosed.