Sterile Container Knob Coupling for Germ-Tight Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container systems with coupling mechanisms are not leak-proof, difficult to clean, and prone to recontamination due to penetration points, and require multiple components that complicate production and handling.
Innovation Solution
A container system with a male coupling portion integrally formed as a protruding knob with an undercut in the container wall, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of coupling elements without additional components, and a push-button system with a resilient female coupling portion that ensures a secure and germ-tight connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If coupling systems with penetration points are used to connect components, then releasable connection is achieved, but sterility is compromised due to germ penetration and difficulty in cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The male coupling portion is integrally formed with the container wall, merging the coupling mechanism into the container structure itself. This eliminates separate fastening components and penetration points that compromise sterility, while maintaining releasable connection functionality through the integrated knob with undercut geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling functionality is extracted from separate fastening components and embedded directly into the container wall as an integral feature. This removes the need for additional parts that create cleaning difficulties and sterility risks, while preserving the releasable connection capability
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate components are used for coupling systems, then connection functionality is achieved, but device complexity and production effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple coupling components are merged into a single integral male coupling portion formed directly in the container wall. The knob with undercut geometry provides both the coupling interface and the retention mechanism in one integrated feature, eliminating the need for separate fasteners, clips, or fastening elements
Solution Approach 2:
The integral male coupling portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the coupling interface for attachment, the undercut geometry for retention, and integrates with the container wall structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized components
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional coupling systems with openings and undercuts are used, then positive locking is achieved, but cleaning difficulty and recontamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The male coupling portion features a rounded knob head with smooth curved surfaces instead of sharp edges, undercuts, or openings. This spherical/curved geometry provides positive locking through the undercut while eliminating crevices where fluids can accumulate, making the surface easy to clean and sterilize
Data Source
AI summary
A container system and a method for forming a knob in a container. The container system includes a container, in particular a medical or surgical sterile container preferably having a tub-like container vessel and/or a container cover; at least one separate coupling element; and at least one coupling system for releasably connecting the coupling element to the container. The coupling system includes a male coupling portion formed on the container and a female coupling portion formed on the coupling element. The coupling portions can be coupled to and uncoupled from one another. The male coupling portion is integrally formed in a wall of the container and is designed as a protruding knob having an undercut.