Sterile Container Multi-Point Locking for Pressure Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sterile containers experience deformation and pressure loss during sterilization due to uncontrolled pressure equalization, leading to residual moisture from incomplete condensate discharge.

Innovation Solution

A sterile container design featuring multiple locking elements actuated by a single actuating lever or strap, providing a stable multi-point connection between the lid and tray, allowing controlled pressure equalization and condensate drainage without deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional sterile containers use one or two locking elements to keep the lid closed, then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is maintained, but the container experiences deformation and uncontrolled pressure equalization during sterilization, leading to pressure loss and residual moisture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure integrityVSAvoidnumber of locking elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple locking elements (at least three, preferably four) distributed around the container circumference, each independently engaging with the counterpart structure. This segmentation provides multiple discrete locking points that collectively maintain pressure integrity while allowing the container to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction without deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple locking elements are combined into a coordinated system where all locking elements are actuated simultaneously by a single actuating lever or strap. This merging provides the reliability of multiple locking points while maintaining the operational simplicity of a single actuation mechanism, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If active condensate drainage is implemented using pressure difference, then condensate removal is effective, but container deformation occurs due to pressure difference between inside and sterilization chamber, causing uncontrolled pressure equalization and residual moisture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondensate drainage effectivenessVSAvoidcontainer shape stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The multiple locking elements are engaged before sterilization begins, creating a pre-reinforced structure that can withstand the pressure differential during active condensate drainage. This beforehand cushioning prevents the container from deforming under pressure, ensuring that pressure equalization remains controlled and condensate drainage completes effectively without leaving residual moisture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If multiple locking elements are used to prevent deformation, then pressure integrity is improved, but the effort required for operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoidactuation effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

All locking elements are merged into a single actuation system where one lever or strap simultaneously actuates all locking elements through mechanical linkage or flexible band transmission. This provides the locking security of multiple engagement points while maintaining the ease of operation characteristic of a single actuation action, eliminating the need to manually operate each locking element separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single actuating lever or strap serves multiple functions: it simultaneously engages all locking elements during closure, maintains tension on all locking points during sterilization, and can simultaneously release all locking elements during opening. This multi-functionality achieves high locking security without increasing operational complexity or effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design ensures effective condensate discharge and maintains pressure integrity within the container, preventing leaks and residual moisture, while maintaining the same actuation effort as conventional systems with enhanced locking security.

Implementation Method 1

The (at least one) actuating lever is designed in such a way that it crosses an eccentric point when it is brought into a locking position, thereby preventing the at least one actuating lever from unintentionally and automatically springing into an open position (self-locking).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Implementation Method 2

Container systems with active condensate drainage utilize the pressure difference between the overpressure in the sterilization container and the underpressure in the sterilization chamber to remove this condensate.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3313319B1Sterile container with a multitude of centrally actuable locking elements

Publication Date: 2022.06.22 AESCULAP AG

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a sterile container which comprises a plurality of locking elements that can be operated via at least one operating strip by means of at least one common operating lever. This allows an active discharge of condensate and controlled pressure compensation in a reliable manner and offers more safety when storing or transporting the sterile container.