Sterile Goods Container Handling With Lifting-Wedge Lock Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual handling of sterile goods containers, which can weigh over 10 kg, is time-consuming and physically strenuous, requiring operators to open locking mechanisms by hand, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A handling system with a tool apparatus featuring a lifting wedge that engages with the locking bracket of a sterile goods container lid, allowing for automated unlocking and opening of the container by pivoting the locking bracket using a tool apparatus that can be manually operated or integrated with a robot, simplifying the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual handling of sterile goods containers is used, then operators can directly control the opening process, but the handling becomes time-consuming and physically strenuous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of opening sterile goods containerVSAvoidtime for opening sterile goods container

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A tool apparatus with a lifting wedge serves as an intermediary between the operator and the locking bracket. The lifting wedge engages with the locking bracket and converts a small lifting motion into a large pivoting motion, mechanically amplifying the operator's effort to efficiently open the container without direct manual manipulation of the heavy lid

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking bracket is designed to pivot from a storage position (parallel to lid top side) to an unlocking position. The tool apparatus applies force in a different dimensional direction (vertical lifting) to achieve rotation in another dimension (pivoting about pivot axis), transforming the opening action into a more efficient mechanical motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If manual handling of sterile goods containers is used, then operators can feel the locking mechanism status, but the process becomes labor-intensive and physically demanding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of locking mechanismVSAvoidphysical strain on operator

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting wedge acts as a mechanical intermediary that translates minimal operator input into sufficient force to actuate the locking bracket. This mechanical advantage system reduces physical strain while maintaining reliable engagement with the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for operators to directly manipulate heavy components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking bracket transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic unlocked position through pivoting motion. The tool apparatus enables controlled dynamic movement of the locking bracket, allowing reliable locking/unlocking while reducing the static force requirements on the operator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If automated handling with tool apparatus is used, then handling efficiency is improved and physical strain is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling efficiency of sterile goods containerVSAvoidcomplexity of opening tool

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool apparatus is segmented into distinct functional elements: a lifting wedge for engaging the locking bracket, and a handle for operator control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device structure simple and manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of applying force directly to pivot the locking bracket, the tool apparatus inverts the approach by first lifting the locking bracket vertically with the wedge, which then naturally pivots it into the unlocked position. This inverted mechanical approach simplifies the tool design while improving handling efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 system enables efficient, ergonomic, and automated opening of sterile goods containers, reducing physical strain on operators and improving handling efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The first tool element has a lifting wedge for engaging under the locking bracket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Data Source

PatentUS20250282060A1Handling system for sterile goods containers and method for machine handling of sterile goods containers

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 AESCULAP AG

AI summary

A handling system for sterile goods containers, in particular for automatically opening sterile goods containers, includes at least one tool apparatus for opening sterile goods containers. The at least one tool apparatus has at least one first tool element for being brought into engagement with a locking bracket mounted on a sterile goods container lid of a sterile goods container so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis, and in a storage position is oriented in parallel or substantially in parallel with a lid top side of the sterile goods container lid for locking the sterile goods container lid on a sterile goods container tray of the sterile goods container in a closing position. The first tool element has a lifting wedge for engaging under the locking bracket. The handling system can be used in a method for machine handling of sterile goods containers.