Sterile Object Carrying Case with Removable Tray
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carrying cases for sterile objects are prone to contamination and not suitable for sterile environments due to their materials, leading to inefficiencies in transporting medical equipment and delaying surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A carrying case with a removable inner tray made of thermoplastic polymer and a polymeric outer container that can be sanitized, featuring a tamper-proof seal and handle, allowing for safe and clean transport of sterile objects into sterile environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fabric bags with plastic dividers are used to carry sterile objects, then the bags are soft and easy to handle, but the material is prone to contamination and cannot be effectively cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from fabric to rigid polymer (polypropylene or polyethylene), which fundamentally alters the surface properties to be non-absorbent and easily cleanable, resolving the contradiction between ease of handling and contamination resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction with rigid polymer outer shell and foam inner components, creating a material system that combines structural integrity with ease of cleaning and contamination resistance while maintaining handleability
2Reliability
If contents are handled separately from the bag, then contamination risk is reduced, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires additional tracking work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the container and contents into a single sterilizable unit, allowing the entire case with all contents to be sterilized together and moved as one unit, eliminating the need for separate handling and tracking of individual items
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid case serves multiple functions: it protects contents during transport, maintains sterility through washability, and can be reused repeatedly, replacing multiple separate handling operations with a single integrated solution
3Adaptability or versatility
If a part is not present in the sterile environment, then the surgeon can access it from the bag, but the surgeon must leave the operating room to locate and transport the part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-sterilizing and pre-organizing all potential parts and contents within the case before entering the sterile environment, so that any needed part is already available and can be accessed without leaving the operating room
Solution Approach 2:
The case is segmented into multiple compartments and sections that can be independently accessed, allowing the surgeon to retrieve specific parts without disturbing other contents or needing to leave the sterile field
4Adaptability or versatility
If the entire case is sanitized and transported into the sterile environment, then access to all contents is improved, but the case must be made of sanitizeable material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter to sanitizeable polymers (polypropylene, polyethylene) that can withstand autoclaving and chemical sterilization processes, enabling the entire case to be sterilized and transported into sterile environments
Data Source
AI summary
A carrying case includes an outer container with a plurality of side walls extending from a lower support. An outer lid is at least partially removably coupled with the plurality of side walls and positioned opposite the lower support. Each of the side walls, lower support and outer lid have an inner surface defining an interior space within the case. A plurality of first attachment means extend from at least two opposing side wall inner surfaces. A removable inner tray includes a plurality of inserts configured to fit within the interior space of the outer container. A plurality of second attachment means extend from the plurality of inserts and are positioned to correspond with locations of the first attachment means, such that the first and second attachment means are engaged when the inner tray is positioned within the interior space of the case.