Self-Mating Packaging for Elongated Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alternative packaging structures and methods that can maintain elongated medical devices, such as catheters and guide wires, in coiled, semi-coiled, or hoop-like configurations without requiring additional structures, enhancing storage, transport, and dispensing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A self-interfacing and self-mating packaging structure comprising a first portion with a lumen for the medical device and a second portion that is non-releasably attached and extends radially, allowing the structure to maintain itself in desired configurations through a mating engagement, creating a frictional or interference fit to resist uncoiling forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional packaging structures are used for elongated medical devices, then the devices can be protected and stored, but additional structures are required to maintain coiled configurations, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure is designed to be self-interfacing and self-mating, where the second portion automatically engages with the first portion to maintain the coiled configuration without requiring external structures or additional components. The frictional fit between the portions provides self-sustaining maintenance of the coiled state.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second portions are integrated into a single packaging structure that maintains the coiled configuration through their mutual engagement. The second portion extends radially from the first portion and engages with it to create a self-mating system that eliminates the need for separate maintaining structures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional structures are added to maintain coiled configuration, then the packaging can resist uncoiling forces, but the packaging becomes more complex and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure uses its own portions to maintain the coiled configuration through self-engagement. The second portion frictionally engages with the first portion to provide stability without requiring external supporting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging structure utilizes frictional fit between the first and second portions to maintain the coiled configuration. The frictional force generated by the interface between portions provides the necessary stability to resist uncoiling forces while maintaining a simple structure.
3Productivity
If a self-interfacing packaging structure is used, then storage and transport efficiency improve, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure employs frictional fit between the first and second portions to achieve self-mating. The frictional force provides a reliable engagement mechanism that does not require extremely tight tolerances, as the frictional fit naturally maintains the coiled configuration during storage and transport.
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 structure efficiently maintains elongated medical devices in coiled configurations, resisting handling and gravitational forces while allowing for easy deployment, thus improving storage, transport, and dispensing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
creating a frictional or interference fit to resist uncoiling forces
Implementation Method 2
creating a frictional or interference fit to resist uncoiling forces
Data Source
AI summary
Packaging for an elongated medical device. The packaging may include a packaging structure that is adapted to be self interfacing and/or self mating such that the packaging structure can selectively maintain itself in a coiled, semi-coiled, and/or hoop like configuration without the use of additional structures.