Sterile Container Closure System Integrating Locking Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical or surgical sterile containers require a separate counter element for locking, which increases production and assembly complexity, susceptibility to leakage, and mechanical stress, and can lead to sterilization issues and loss of connection.
Innovation Solution
A medical or surgical sterile container with a crimped/folded edge portion on the first container part that integrally forms an undercut, allowing the closure system to directly transfer the locking force without a separate counter element, using a toggle-lever mechanism with a spring-loaded seal for secure locking and prevention of accidental opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate counter element is used for locking, then the locking function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the counter element function directly into the container lid by integrating a locking protrusion that engages with the container body's locking recess. This eliminates the need for a separate counter element, reducing device complexity while maintaining the locking function through the integrated closure system
Solution Approach 2:
The container lid is given multiple functions: it serves as both the cover and the locking mechanism carrier. The locking protrusion on the lid performs the counter element function, allowing the lid to universally handle both sealing and locking tasks without requiring additional dedicated components
2Force
If a separate counter element is attached to a container part, then the locking force is transferred, but the susceptibility to leakage and mechanical stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the locking mechanism into the container lid itself rather than attaching a separate counter element, the patent eliminates attachment points that could become leakage paths. The integrated locking protrusion and recess create a continuous structural path for force transfer without compromising sealing integrity
3Reliability
If a separate counter element is connected to a container part, then the locking function is achieved, but the container becomes more susceptible to mechanical stress peaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism with the container lid structure, creating an integrated system where locking forces are distributed through the lid's own structural integrity rather than being concentrated at attachment points of a separate counter element, thereby reducing mechanical stress peaks
4Force
If a separate counter element is used, then the locking force is received, but the risk of connection loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the force reception function into the container lid's own structure through the locking protrusion, eliminating the connection interface between a separate counter element and the container. This integration removes the risk of connection loss while maintaining effective locking force reception
Data Source
AI summary
A medical or surgical sterile container includes a first container part, a second container part, and at least one closure system arranged on the second container part which is pivotable between a closed position, in which the first container part and the second container part are locked to each other by the closure system, and an open position, in which the first container part and the second container part are unlocked. The first container part has an integrally formed edge portion on which the closure system is immediately supported in the closed position, for transferring a closing force of the first container part to the second container part.