Systems and methods for dispensing sterile items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems fail to maintain the sterility of items as they are dispensed to multiple users, leading to potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge system with a drive mechanism that unwinds a packaging strip containing items, using dual take-up reels to ensure each item is dispensed individually, keeping subsequent items sealed until use, and incorporating sensors to control the dispensing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If items are dispensed from a continuous packaging strip, then dispensing speed and productivity are improved, but the risk of contamination to subsequent items increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging strip is divided into separate sealed compartments, each containing an individual item. This segmentation allows rapid dispensing of one item while maintaining sealed barriers that prevent contamination of subsequent items, resolving the contradiction between dispensing speed and contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed packaging strip acts as an intermediary barrier between dispensed items and the external environment. This mediator protects subsequent items from contamination while allowing efficient dispensing, as the barrier can be quickly accessed and reopened without exposing all items to contamination.
2Device complexity
If a single take-up reel is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain item sterility during dispensing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The take-up reel system is segmented into multiple independent reels, each handling a specific portion of the packaging strip. This segmentation allows precise control over which section of the strip is being dispensed, maintaining sterility barriers while managing the complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple take-up reels are designed to rotate independently and can be dynamically engaged or disengaged based on dispensing needs. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain sterility by controlling the movement and positioning of the packaging strip sections, while the modular dynamic structure manages overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If items are exposed during dispensing, then ease of operation is improved, but sterility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Items are pre-packaged in sealed compartments before dispensing. This preliminary action ensures sterility is maintained until the moment of dispensing, while the sealed packaging allows for easy and quick access during operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and sterility maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging strip uses flexible sealed membranes that can be easily accessed and opened for dispensing while maintaining sterility barriers. These flexible shells allow straightforward operation for item retrieval while preventing contamination, balancing ease of operation with sterility protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge assembly comprising a carrier reel, distal and proximal take-up reels, a main guide post, a first strip guide post, a second strip guide post, a packaging strip supported by the carrier reel. The packaging strip comprises first and second strip portions detachably secured to define a plurality of item chambers. The carrier reel is adapted to store the packaging strip. The distal take-up reel is operatively connected to the first strip portion. The proximal take-up reel is operatively connected to the second strip portion. Rotation of the distal and proximal take-up reels unwinds the packaging strip from the carrier reel such that the first strip portion is wound onto the distal take-up reel and the second strip portion is wound onto the proximal take-up reel.