Test Strip Container with Tear-Off Closure Flap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for strip-shaped indicator sticks lack tamper-evident protection and practical handling, often requiring complex designs that are costly, prone to damage, and difficult to use, especially in environments requiring cleanliness and efficient disposal.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring projecting latching elements on the lower housing part that engage with recesses in the upper housing part, combined with a pivotally mounted closure flap connected by a tear-off web, providing secure tamper-evident protection and facilitating easy removal of test strips without the need for complete disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper housing part is completely pulled off to remove test strips, then all small indicator sticks can fall out of the lower housing part, but this causes loss of test strips and impractical handling
Solution Approach 1:
The closure flap is segmented from the upper housing part by a tear-off web, allowing the closure flap to be removed independently without removing the entire upper housing part. This prevents test strips from falling out while enabling easy access for removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure flap acts as an intermediary element between the upper housing part and the test strips. It provides a controlled access point that allows test strip removal without compromising the integrity of the main housing structure, preventing accidental loss of strips.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tear-off element is completely detached from the closure cap and container, then the closure cap can be opened and closed again, but this requires considerable effort and disposal effort, especially in chemical-pharmaceutical laboratories
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into a closure flap and a tear-off web. The tear-off web is designed to be partially retained in the container after use, eliminating the need to completely detach and dispose of the entire closure assembly. This reduces disposal effort while maintaining reusability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tear-off web is designed to be partially discarded while retaining useful portions within the container. This allows the closure cap to remain reusable without requiring complete detachment and disposal of all components, reducing time and effort for disposal especially in laboratory environments.
3Reliability
If the housing upper part is made dimensionally stable to prevent pulling off, then protection against originality is achieved, but the design effort and fastening effort become considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into upper and lower parts connected by a simple latching mechanism. This segmentation allows the upper part to be dimensionally stable for security while keeping the overall design simple through modular construction with standard fastening elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism uses simple, inexpensive elements that provide sufficient security without requiring complex dimensional stability. The focus is on providing adequate protection against unauthorized opening rather than creating an impenetrable seal, reducing design complexity while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If inwardly projecting formations are added to the upper housing part to prevent unintended opening, then protection against originality is improved, but test strips can get caught behind these formations making handling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The latching elements are extracted from the main housing body and positioned specifically at the closure flap interfaces. This allows them to provide security functionality without creating protruding formations that would interfere with test strip handling in the main container body.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is applied locally at the closure flap areas rather than throughout the entire housing structure. This provides protection against originality where needed while maintaining smooth surfaces in the test strip storage area, preventing strips from getting caught.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
A container (1) for a plurality of test strips, particularly for strip-shaped indicator sticks, has a lower housing part (2) and an upper housing part (3) that can be positively interlocked with the lower housing part (2), wherein the upper housing part (3) has an opening having a pivotally supported closing cap (14), the lower housing part (2) having a plurality of protruding detent elements (7) that can be engaged with recesses (10) in the upper housing part (3) that are adapted thereto, and the closing cap (14) being connected to the upper housing part(3) along the circumference by means of at least one tear-off connecting bar. The detent elements (7) protrude in the region of the recesses (10) by more than the wall thickness of the upper housing part (3). The closing cap (14) preferably has a tear-off connecting bar on each of two opposing sides. The closing cap (14) is preferably pivotally supported about the housing lid (15) of the upper housing part (3) and forms a corner (13) of the upper housing part (3). The length of the closing cap (14) along the housing lid (15) is preferably less than the length of the closing cap (14) along the side wall (24) of the upper housing part (3).