Stepped Tub Support for Medical Device Nest Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tub designs for transporting syringe stoppers lack adequate support and are prone to deformation, leading to issues with nest deflection and removal, especially due to stress relaxation over time.
Innovation Solution
The tub design includes a stepped sidewall construction with ledges and support members, such as columns, steps, or ribs, to provide additional support to the bottom-most nest, and incorporates features like stiffening belts to resist sidewall deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tub uses a narrow ledge support surface to accommodate various nest designs, then the tub can be versatile and accommodate different nest configurations, but the nest deflection increases due to insufficient support width
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented into multiple components: the ledge provides perimeter support while internal support members (columns, ribs, or steps) provide distributed support across the nest base. This segmentation allows the tub to accommodate various nest designs while maintaining adequate support strength through multiple support points.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a two-dimensional ledge to a three-dimensional support system by adding vertical support members (columns, ribs, or steps) that extend upward from the bottom wall. This dimensional addition provides both lateral and vertical support, preventing nest deflection while maintaining versatility.
2Quantity of substance
If the tub sidewalls are made taller to accommodate nests with 100 and 160 chimneys, then the tub can hold more nests, but the sidewalls become more prone to deflection over time due to stress relaxation
Solution Approach 1:
The sidewall structure is segmented into multiple horizontal reinforcement levels (stiffening belts) spaced at intervals along the vertical height. This segmentation provides distributed reinforcement that prevents overall sidewall deflection while allowing the tub to accommodate tall sidewalls necessary for holding multiple nests.
Solution Approach 2:
The tub employs a composite structural approach combining the base tub wall material with integrated stiffening belts made of the same or complementary material. This composite construction creates a multi-layered wall system that resists stress relaxation and maintains dimensional stability over time.
3Ease of manufacture
If the tub is designed as a single injection molded component, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but stress relaxation occurs over time causing sidewall deflection that inhibits nest removal
Solution Approach 1:
The tub is segmented into multiple functional features (ledges, support members, stiffening belts) that are all formed as integral parts of the single injection molded component. This segmentation of functional elements within a unified structure provides multiple reinforcement points that prevent stress relaxation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffening belts and support members are formed during the initial injection molding process rather than being added subsequently. This preliminary action of incorporating reinforcement features into the base structure prevents future stress relaxation issues while avoiding complex assembly operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a tub for holding one or more nests of medical components. The tub includes a bottom wall, a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, and a top flange formed about a top edge of the plurality of sidewalls. Each sidewall is configured as a stepped wall including a lower wall portion and an upper wall portion, with a horizontal ledge formed between the lower wall portion and the upper wall portion that is in parallel with the bottom wall. The tub also includes one or more support members extending up from the bottom wall, with each of the one or more support members having a top surface that is vertically aligned with or vertically below the ledges of the plurality of sidewalls, so as to be positioned to support a bottommost nest of the one or more nests when placed within the tub.