Multi-panel sterilization wrap with mass balancing side tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disposable sterilization wraps require excessive material for wrapping and unwrapping, leading to inefficiencies and potential sterility issues due to imprinted creases and deformations during steam or heat sterilization, which complicate the process and increase waste.
Innovation Solution
A flexible multi-panel sterilization assembly with a permeable barrier panel, side tabs for grip and weight distribution, and a fold protection panel to prevent the wrap from folding back onto itself during unwrapping, utilizing side tabs to shift the center of mass and prevent unfolded sides from re-folding over the sterilized content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional disposable sterilization wrap is used with standard fold techniques, then the wrap can be manufactured simply and inexpensively, but excessive material is required and the wrap may fold back onto itself during unwrapping compromising sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization wrap is divided into multiple panels (first panel, second panel, third panel, fourth panel) with specific folding relationships. The first and second panels are folded to form a first folded portion, while the third and fourth panels form a second folded portion. This segmentation allows controlled unfolding sequences that prevent material waste and maintain sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap configuration pre-establishes fold lines and panel arrangements before use. The first fold line is established between the first and second panels, and the second fold line between the third and fourth panels. This preliminary structuring enables predictable unfolding behavior that prevents the wrap from folding back onto itself during the unwrapping process.
2Reliability
If large sheets of conventional disposable sterilization wrap are used, then sterility can be maintained during sterilization, but the wrapping and unwrapping process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap is segmented into four distinct panels with defined folding relationships. During unwrapping, the user can systematically unfold panels in a predetermined sequence (first unfolding the first folded portion, then the second folded portion), which simplifies the process compared to manipulating large expanses of conventional wrap and improves operational speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-panel configuration creates an asymmetric folding structure where each panel has a specific role and folding direction. This asymmetry provides clear guidance for the unwrapping sequence, reducing the complexity and time required for the process while maintaining sterility.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard fold techniques are used with conventional sterilization wrap, then the wrap can be easily manufactured, but the wrap requires excessive material and creates touch points that compromise sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap is manufactured as a single sheet divided into four panels with pre-marked fold lines. This segmentation allows the wrap to be folded into a compact configuration that minimizes touch points during sterilization while maintaining ease of manufacture from a single continuous sheet, thus preserving sterility without complicating the manufacturing process.
4Reliability
If thermoplastic polymer nonwoven material is used for sterilization wrap, then the material provides good barrier properties, but the material may take a set or imprint during extended steam or heat sterilization causing folding issues
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap pre-establishes multiple fold lines and panel configurations before sterilization. When the thermoplastic material takes a set or imprints during extended steam or heat sterilization, the predetermined fold structure guides the material to fold along the correct lines rather than creating random deformations, thus maintaining sterility despite material changes.
Solution Approach 2:
Dividing the wrap into four separate panels with defined fold lines creates multiple controlled folding zones. This segmentation prevents the entire wrap from deforming uniformly during sterilization, allowing each panel to accommodate thermal effects independently while maintaining the overall structural integrity and sterility.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4E
Figure 5A~5E
AI summary
A multi-panel sterilization assembly that includes a barrier panel formed of permeable material having barrier properties, side tabs that include grip portions for folding or unfolding the barrier panel; and a fold protection panel. The barrier panel has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a first edge and a third edge, each such edge being generally perpendicular to the first end, and a second edge that is generally opposite the first end. A longitudinal axis extending from at least the first end to the second end of the barrier panel such that it bisects the assembly into a first assembly portion and a substantially equal second assembly portion. The first assembly portion extends from the longitudinal axis to include the first edge of the barrier panel and the side tab and defines a respective center of mass, and the second assembly portion extends from the longitudinal axis to include the third edge of the barrier panel and the side tab and defines a second respective center of mass, whereby the center of mass of the first assembly portion is closer to the first edge than to the longitudinal axis and the center of mass of the second assembly portion is closer to the third edge than to the longitudinal axis.