Sterilization Packaging Folding Machine Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for packaging sterilization baskets are labor-intensive, prone to human error, and inefficient, particularly in maintaining sterility due to manual folding processes, which are time-consuming and can lead to musculoskeletal disorders.

Innovation Solution

A machine that automates the folding of sterilization sheets around sterilization baskets using a gripping tool and rotating plate, allowing for efficient and precise folding, reducing labor costs and the risk of human error, while ensuring sterility through optimized folding techniques like Pasteur folding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual folding is used to package sterilization baskets, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of folding processVSAvoidcomplexity of packaging machine

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging machine is divided into distinct functional modules: a gripping tool for holding sheet corners, a rotating plate for positioning, and a folding mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function efficiently while keeping the overall system manageable in complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping tool automatically grasps corners of the sterilization sheet and the machine performs folding operations without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by automating the entire folding process, eliminating labor-intensive manual operations while maintaining packaging quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual folding is performed by operators, then adaptability to different baskets is maintained, but time consumption increases and labor costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging speedVSAvoidtime for folding operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The machine performs folding operations continuously through automated sequences. The gripping tool continuously grasps sheet corners, the rotating plate continuously repositions materials, and folding actions occur in an unbroken sequence, eliminating idle time between operations and maximizing packaging speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical folding operations are replaced with an automated mechanical system comprising a gripping tool, rotating plate, and folding mechanism. This substitution eliminates human operators from the folding process, dramatically reducing time consumption and labor costs while maintaining consistent packaging quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If double wrap packaging is used with sequential folding, then sterility preservation is improved, but operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterility maintenanceVSAvoidtotal packaging time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The machine performs preliminary positioning of the sterilization sheet using the rotating plate before folding operations begin. Corners are pre-grasped by the gripping tool and pre-positioned for optimal folding sequences. This preliminary preparation enables faster execution of the complete double-wrap folding process while ensuring sterility is maintained throughout

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The machine combines multiple folding operations for both the primary and secondary wraps into a single integrated automated process. The gripping tool and rotating plate work together to perform all necessary folding actions for both wraps simultaneously, reducing the total time required compared to sequential manual operations while maintaining the sterility benefits of double wrapping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11338946B2Machine for packaging with at least one sterilization packaging material

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 STERIMED SAS

AI summary

A machine for packaging an object with a sterilization packaging material the machine comprising: a plate configured to receive the sterilization packaging material and the object to be packaged placed on top,a gripping tool configured to grasp hold of a corner of the sterilization packaging material The gripping tool and the plate being are able to move relative to one another so as to allow the gripping tool to bring the corner over the top of the object and thus form a fold covering the object.