Multi-panel sterilization wrap with stretch components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sterilization wraps often allow movement of the container within the wrap, leading to abrasion-induced hole formation and lack a visual cue for sterilant penetration, which complicates the sterilization process.
Innovation Solution
A multi-panel sterilization assembly with stretch components, including a fold protection panel and wings made from shrinkable and color-changing materials, that secure the container and provide a visual signal upon sterilization, ensuring tighter folds and easier unwrapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional disposable sterilization wrap is used, then the wrap can be simple and easy to manufacture, but the container moves within the wrap leading to abrasion-induced hole formation
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap is divided into multiple panels (front panel, back panel, and at least one intermediate panel) that are bonded together to form a multi-layer structure. This segmentation provides internal support and reduces container movement while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through sequential bonding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap uses composite material structures with different layers serving different functions - some layers provide strength and rigidity to prevent container movement, while others maintain permeability for sterilant passage. The composite structure balances mechanical stability with sterilization requirements.
2Reliability
If the wrap material is made permeable for sterilization, then sterilant can penetrate effectively, but the wrap lacks visual indication of sterilant penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap incorporates color-changing indicators that respond to sterilant penetration. When the sterilant passes through the permeable wrap, it triggers a visible color change in indicator regions, providing clear visual confirmation that sterilization has occurred while maintaining the wrap's permeability for effective sterilant passage.
3Reliability
If the wrap is designed to be tight-fitting, then container movement is prevented, but the wrap becomes complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap is divided into multiple panels (front panel, back panel, and at least one intermediate panel) that are bonded together to form a multi-layer structure. This segmentation provides internal support and reduces container movement while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through sequential bonding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap uses flexible panel structures that can conform to the container shape while providing stability. The flexible multi-panel design achieves tight-fitting characteristics through the arrangement and bonding of multiple thin panel layers rather than complex single-structure designs.
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 assembly effectively prevents container movement, reduces the risk of hole formation, and provides a clear visual indication of successful sterilization, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the sterilization process.
Implementation Method 1
The barrier panel is formed from a material that is sufficiently permeable to permit a sterilizing gas to pass through it to effect sterilization
Implementation Method 2
when the stretch component is made to shrink when exposed to sterilizing conditions, it desirably changes dimensions sufficiently to provide an obvious visual signal about successful sterilant penetration
Implementation Method 3
the stretch component further may include an agent that changes color upon exposure to sterilizing conditions, further aiding in the provision of a visual cue
Data Source
Figure 1A~1E
Figure 2A~2E
AI summary
A multi-panel sterilization assembly is described that includes a barrier panel formed of permeable material having barrier properties, side wings that can include grip portions for folding or unfolding the barrier panel, and a fold protection panel. The fold protection panel and/or either or both wings may be made from a stretchable material.