Sterile Packaging Unit with Through-Wall Contact for Sensor Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterile packaging units require close physical proximity for data reading and power supply to sensor electronics, making them inactive during storage and vulnerable to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A contact unit extending through the packaging wall allows for electrical connection to an external power source, enabling continuous operation of sensor electronics after sterilization without compromising the hermetic seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor electronics are hermetically enclosed in the packaging, then sterility is maintained during storage, but power supply and data reading require close physical proximity making the sensors inactive during storage
Solution Approach 1:
A transponder is introduced as an intermediary component that enables wireless communication between the sensor electronics inside the hermetically sealed packaging and external devices. The transponder is electrically connected to the sensor electronics and can be activated remotely via electromagnetic fields, allowing data reading and sensor activation without compromising the hermetic seal or requiring close physical proximity for operation
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor electronics, including the transponder, are pre-installed and hermetically sealed within the packaging before sterilization. This preliminary configuration allows the sensors to remain in a ready state inside the sealed packaging, with the understanding that they will be activated later through electromagnetic field exposure when needed, eliminating the need for post-sterilization opening or close-proximity handling
2Ease of operation
If sensor electronics are activated after sterilization, then they can function properly, but the memory unit may have been altered by gamma radiation exposure during sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable bioprocessing component with integrated sensor electronics that is designed for single-use. The sensor system includes a memory unit that can store data, and while gamma radiation may affect the memory during sterilization, the entire component is discarded after use, eliminating the need for long-term reliability of the memory unit beyond the immediate application. The transponder enables data transfer before disposal
Solution Approach 2:
The transponder serves as an intermediary that allows data to be read from the memory unit through electromagnetic fields without requiring physical access to the sensor electronics. This enables verification and utilization of data stored in the memory unit even after gamma radiation exposure, as the data can be retrieved wirelessly through the transponder interface before the component is disposed of
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
Enables continuous monitoring and data logging of the packaging unit's history, ensuring sensor electronics remain active and sterile, with features like radiation dosimetry and environmental parameter tracking.
Implementation Method 1
sterilized by being jointly irradiated with ionizing radiation
Implementation Method 2
The sensor electronics are electrically connected to a contact unit extending through the packaging wall
Data Source
AI summary
A sterile packaging unit includes a disposable bioprocessing component (20) and a packaging (30). The disposable bioprocessing component (20) has a component wall that encloses a processing space and on which is secured a sensor system (40) with at least one sensor head (T, P, I, L, D) and with attached sensor electronics (42) that include a memory unit (44). The packaging (30) hermetically encloses the disposable bioprocessing component (20) and has a flexible packaging wall. The disposable bioprocessing component (20) and the packaging (30). are sterilized by being jointly irradiated with ionizing radiation. The sensor electronics (42) are connected electrically to a contact unit (34) extending through the packaging wall.