Sterilization Container Closure Mechanism with Visual Seal Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rigid sterilization containers face issues with maintaining gasket conformity and uniform closure force distribution, leading to inconsistent seals and difficulty in verifying the integrity of the seal without opening the container.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a rotatable handle with multiple arms that linearly move to secure the lid, distributing force evenly across the gasket, and includes a visual seal indicator that changes state to indicate proper sealing or breach, ensuring sterility and ease of verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a dual latching mechanism is used to secure the lid, then the container can be closed, but the closure force is not adequately distributed along the four sides of the container
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is divided into multiple independent arms (at least three arms) that are distributed around the perimeter of the lid. Each arm independently engages with the base, allowing the closure force to be segmented and distributed evenly along all four sides of the container rather than concentrated at two opposite points.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the lid and base are exposed to repeated forces from handling, then the container can be used multiple times, but the gasket conformity and fit to the base's lip deteriorate over time
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is designed with enhanced material properties and geometric parameters that allow it to accommodate repeated compression and decompression cycles. The gasket's cross-sectional geometry and material elasticity are optimized to maintain conformity to the base lip even after numerous sterilization cycles and handling operations.
3Device complexity
If a typical rigid container design is used, then the container structure is simple, but there is no means for users to gauge confidence in the integrity of the seal without opening the container
Solution Approach 1:
A visual seal indicator is incorporated into the gasket or sealing interface that changes color or becomes visible when the gasket is properly compressed against the base lip. This color change mechanism provides immediate visual feedback to users about seal integrity without requiring them to open the container or perform additional inspection steps.
4Strength
If the gasket seal relies on the base's lip and lid maintaining their shape, then the seal integrity depends on structural rigidity, but dents, cuts, and scratches in the lid and base cause them to become misshapen
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is designed as a flexible sealing element that can deform to accommodate minor imperfections, dents, or variations in the base lip and lid surfaces. This flexibility compensates for structural degradation from repeated use, maintaining reliable sealing even when the rigid components show signs of wear or deformation.
Data Source
AI summary
Closure mechanisms and seal integrity indicators for sterilization containers are provided. For example, a closure mechanism comprising at least one handle and at least two arms is provided with a sterilization container lid to apply a more uniform or evenly distributed force to a container gasket. A container body defines an inner lip on which the gasket and lid are received such that the sealing interface is recessed within the container. Further, a seal indicator may indicate whether the container is sufficiently sealed to prevent an ingress of contaminants into the container. If the container is sufficiently sealed, the seal indicator is visible, but if not, the seal indicator is not visible. Thus, the seal indicator undergoes a change in state when the sterilization container transitions from unsealed to sealed, or vice versa, such that a user may ascertain whether the container is properly sealed to maintain the container's sterility.