Sterilization Packaging Frame and Wrap Sealing Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization packaging systems face issues such as complexity, potential for breaches during handling, and increased costs due to multiple components, which compromise the sterility of packaged items.
Innovation Solution
A simplified sterilization packaging system comprising a frame, sterilization wrap, and a lid, with a sealing assembly that includes a sheet of sterilization material and a clamp, which is disposable and reduces the number of components, providing a consistent barrier against contaminants while minimizing assembly steps and material costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid sterilization containers are used, then protection against tears and cuts is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated container structure. The container includes an integrally formed body with built-in sealing features, eliminating the need for separate lids, gaskets, and fastening mechanisms found in traditional rigid sterilization containers. This merging of components maintains breach protection while significantly reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible sterilization wrap made of porous material that can be sealed around the container opening. This flexible film approach provides effective sealing without requiring complex rigid mechanical assemblies, thus maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple packaging components are used, then barrier consistency is improved, but assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed as a single integrated component with built-in sealing features, eliminating the need for multiple separate parts that must be assembled. This reduces assembly time while maintaining barrier consistency through the integrally formed structure that ensures proper sealing geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is pre-formed with integrated sealing features and geometric configurations that guide proper assembly. The pre-designed structure ensures that the sterilization wrap is correctly positioned and sealed without requiring complex assembly procedures, thus reducing assembly time while maintaining barrier integrity.
3Reliability
If rigid containers with multiple parts are used, then protection against breaches is improved, but material costs and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single container body, eliminating the need for separate lids, gaskets, and fastening mechanisms. This reduction in part count lowers manufacturing costs through fewer components to produce, assemble, and quality-check, while the integrated design maintains breach protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a flexible sterilization wrap instead of complex rigid sealing mechanisms reduces material costs. The porous flexible material provides effective sealing at lower cost compared to multiple rigid components, while maintaining protection against breaches.
4Ease of operation
If sterilization wraps are used, then assembly simplicity is improved, but vulnerability to tears and cuts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a porous sterilization wrap made of flexible material that is sealed around the container opening. This flexible film provides an effective barrier while maintaining assembly simplicity, as the wrap can be easily positioned and sealed without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design integrates structural support and sealing features into a single unit, allowing the flexible sterilization wrap to be used effectively without requiring additional reinforcement components. This maintains assembly simplicity while the integrated structure protects against tears and cuts.
Data Source
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AI summary
Sterilization packaging systems with features for sealing a volume against an ingress of contaminants are provided. Such features include a frame including a plurality of vertical members and a plurality of horizontal members, each vertical member and horizontal member having an inner side and an outer side; a sterilization wrap, a first portion of the sterilization wrap positioned adjacent the inner side of each vertical member and each horizontal member to define a volume and an opening to access the volume; and a lid for sealing the volume against an ingress of contaminants. Additionally, a sterility gauge for signaling whether the volume is sealed against contaminants also may be provided. Exemplary sterilization packaging systems may include other features as well.