Sterile Container Closure Locking for Secure Sealing and Quick Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sterile container closing mechanisms fail to provide stable closure in the locked position, are prone to accidental opening, and do not effectively manage pressure equalization while ensuring a secure and easy opening process.

Innovation Solution

A closing mechanism with a claw-like slider and compression spring that automatically locks in the closed position, using a locking element to prevent accidental opening, and incorporates a return spring for easy release, along with a pre-tensioning mechanism to manage pressure equalization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a closing mechanism with undercutting engagement is used to lock the container lid, then the container is secured against accidental opening, but the mechanism becomes more complex and harder to operate quickly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against accidental openingVSAvoidclosing mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closing mechanism is divided into functionally independent components: a bar element for undercutting engagement, a separate locking device with locking element, and a pre-tensioning element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system manageability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the bar element is held in the closed position by a locking device, then accidental opening is prevented, but the opening process becomes slower requiring additional unlocking action

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unintentional openingVSAvoidtime to open container

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is pre-configured with a locking element that automatically engages with the bar element when the container lid is closed. This preliminary locking action ensures security without requiring additional steps during closing, and the locking element remains ready for quick release when opening is intended.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a pre-tensioning element is used to maintain sealing force, then the seal remains tight despite tolerances, but the force application may cause sudden damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing tightnessVSAvoiddamage from sudden force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-tensioning element is configured to apply sealing force in a controlled, progressive manner rather than suddenly. This cushioning effect ensures the seal is maintained tightly against tolerances while preventing damage to the container components from abrupt force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Ease of operation

If the bar element is made displaceable for easy release, then quick opening is enabled, but the container may become unstable during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of openingVSAvoidcontainer stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The bar element is designed with controlled displacability - it remains firmly locked in the closed position through the locking device during normal operation, providing stability. When opening is required, the bar element can be quickly displaced by actuating the locking device, enabling rapid transition from stable closed state to open state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 mechanism ensures secure, stable closure without accidental opening, allows easy and quick opening, and effectively compensates for manufacturing tolerances and pressure differences, enhancing aseptic conditions.

Implementation Method 1

A closing mechanism featuring a claw-like slider element with a compression spring that automatically secures the lid in a closed position through a locking element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression spring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

includes a pre-tensioning return spring to maintain the seal and prevent unintentional opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring pre-tensioning: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12612221B2Closure mechanism with locking device for sterile containers, and sterile container comprising same

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 AESCULAP AG

AI summary

A sterile container and a closure mechanism for the sterile container. The sterile container includes a container pan and a container lid. The container lid is lockable to the container pan by the closure mechanism. The closure mechanism has a bar element for undercut engagement with an engagement element arranged on the container pan or on the container lid and which forms an undercut. The bar element is positionable in a closed position, in which the bar element is operatively engaged with the engagement element via the undercut, and in a release position, in which the bar element and the engagement element are disengaged. The closure mechanism includes a locking element that is operatively connectable to the bar element and which is integrated into the closure mechanism in such a way that the locking element blocks the closure mechanism when the closed position is reached.