Sterilization Packaging with Partial Wrapping for Steam-Air Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steam-air sterilization methods for medical and industrial applications often result in discoloration, water stains, and pressure marks on packaging, which are aesthetically undesirable and can compromise the appearance of sterilized items, while also being inefficient and costly, especially when dealing with large quantities of objects.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automatic system that uses a partial wrapping of objects to facilitate efficient steam-air sterilization, allowing for optimal arrangement and flow of the sterilization mixture, while also serving as a tamper-evident indicator and transport aid, utilizing a sterilization chamber with automatic devices for grouping, wrapping, and packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If objects are sterilized in folding boxes using steam-air mixture, then sterilization efficiency is improved, but packaging appearance deteriorates due to discoloration and water stains
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is divided into two functional layers: an inner sterilizable packaging that directly contacts the sterilized objects and can withstand steam-air treatment, and an outer protective packaging that remains outside the sterilization chamber to preserve appearance quality. This segmentation allows each layer to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner sterilizable packaging acts as an intermediary between the sterilization process and the outer packaging. It absorbs the sterilization treatment (steam-air mixture) while protecting the outer packaging from direct exposure, thereby maintaining the appearance quality of the final product packaging.
2Reliability
If folding boxes are exposed to steam-air sterilization, then sterilization is achieved, but packaging integrity deteriorates due to pressure marks and water stains
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is segmented into an inner sterilizable packaging designed to withstand sterilization conditions and an outer packaging that maintains structural integrity and appearance. The inner packaging absorbs the thermal and mechanical stress of sterilization, protecting the outer packaging from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The objects are pre-packaged in the inner sterilizable packaging before entering the sterilization chamber. This preliminary packaging action ensures that the outer packaging is never exposed to sterilization conditions, preventing any potential damage to its structure and appearance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If complete wrapping of objects is used for sterilization, then mechanical stability is improved, but sterilization efficiency deteriorates due to blocked steam-air flow channels
Solution Approach 1:
The inner sterilizable packaging is designed with differentiated local qualities: it provides complete mechanical stabilization for the group of objects while incorporating specific regions (open ends or permeable sections) that allow steam-air mixture flow. This local differentiation ensures both mechanical stability and sterilization efficiency are achieved simultaneously.
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
The system achieves efficient, cost-effective, and aesthetically preserved sterilization of objects, maintaining the integrity of packaging and ensuring successful sterilization through the use of a steam-air mixture, with improved handling and packaging efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
sterilization with a steam-air mixture
Implementation Method 2
efficient circulation of the steam-air mixture
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The method involves arranging objects in a group (G), providing the group with a partly covering envelope, inserting at least one group of objects with envelope in a sterilization chamber, sterilising the objects (S), removing them from the chamber and placing the objects and packaging in a packaging arrangement suitable for fully enclosing the group of objects (V). Independent claims are also included for the following: (A) a group of objects in a packaging material to be sterilized (B) and a sterilization system.