Sterilization Container Latch With Deflector for Sterile Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sterilization containers require direct contact with non-sterile surfaces during opening, compromising sterility maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A latch mechanism with a pivotable lever body and deflector design that allows secure sealing and opening of the container without direct contact with the base, minimizing exposure to non-sterile environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the container is opened by direct contact with non-sterile surfaces, then the opening operation is simple and direct, but the sterility of the contents is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening operationVSAvoidsterility maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A sterile barrier film is introduced as an intermediary between the non-sterile exterior environment and the sterile interior contents. The film covers the opening and allows instruments to be removed while maintaining sterility, solving the contradiction between easy opening and sterility maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The container opening is segmented into a sterile interior region and a non-sterile exterior region by the barrier film. This segmentation allows different zones to serve different functions - the interior maintains sterility while the exterior interface allows easy access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the latch mechanism provides secure sealing, then the container remains tightly closed, but the complexity of the latch structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing securityVSAvoidlatch structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is designed to be self-latching through the interaction of the lever body and mount body features. The lever body automatically engages with the mount body to secure the lid, eliminating the need for additional locking components or complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism merges the sealing function and the locking function into a single integrated system. The lever body and mount body work together to provide both the seal and the lock, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250352292A1Sterilization Container And Latch

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

A sterilization container for medical instruments comprising a base and a lid. A latch may be attached to the lid. The latch may include a mount body and a lever body pivotably coupled to the mount body such that the lever body and the mount body cooperate to define an interior having an opening. A deflector may be positioned within the interior and movable with the lever body. The deflector may include a hub portion supported, a wing portion extending from the hub portion to positioned adjacent to the opening of the interior such that when the lever body is in a secured position the wing portion prevents access to the interior through the opening.