Tip Package Segmented Frame and Thin Film for Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tip packages are resource-intensive, generating significant plastic waste and are difficult to recycle due to their solid structure, which also poses challenges in sterilization and contamination prevention.
Innovation Solution
A box-shaped tip package design featuring a rigid frame with openings covered by thin film material, such as breathable paper-based materials like Tyvek, which reduces plastic usage, enhances sterilization access, and allows for easier recycling by being collapsible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional solid plastic tip packages are used, then structural strength and contamination prevention are improved, but plastic waste and recycling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tip package is segmented into two distinct parts: a rigid plastic frame providing structural strength and a separate thin film material covering the openings for contamination prevention. This segmentation allows the thin film to be removed and recycled separately from the frame, reducing overall plastic waste while maintaining the necessary structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip package employs a composite structure combining rigid plastic (for strength) with thin film material (for contamination barrier). This composite approach allows each material to perform its optimal function - the plastic frame withstands picking forces while the thin film prevents contamination, and enables easier separation for recycling purposes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional solid plastic tip packages are used, then structural integrity is improved, but packaging volume for recycling increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the package into a rigid frame and a removable thin film covering, the thin film can be detached and compressed into a much smaller volume for recycling, while the rigid frame maintains its structural integrity during the entire process.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin film material covering the openings can be flexibly removed and compressed to a minimal volume, unlike solid plastic packages that maintain their box shape. This flexible film structure allows for dramatically reduced packaging volume during recycling while the rigid frame remains intact.
3Quantity of substance
If thin film material is used to cover openings, then plastic usage is reduced, but resistance to picking forces may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The force-bearing function is segmented to be handled exclusively by the rigid plastic frame, while the thin film material handles only the contamination barrier function. This segmentation allows significant reduction in plastic usage for the film covering while the frame maintains full resistance to picking forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin film material is used only for covering openings to prevent contamination, not for bearing forces. This application of thin film technology reduces plastic usage significantly while the rigid frame structure independently provides the necessary resistance to picking forces.
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 design effectively withstands high tip-picking forces, prevents contamination, reduces plastic waste, and facilitates efficient sterilization while being eco-friendly and cost-effective, with the thin film material allowing for reduced radiation doses during sterilization and easy tracking and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
thin film material covering the at least one side opening and/or the bottom opening
Implementation Method 2
rigid frame having: at least one side opening and/or a bottom opening, and a top opening; and thin film material covering the at least one side opening and/or the bottom opening, which tip package is configured to receive a tip tray onto the rigid frame and is configured to withstand tip picking forces
Implementation Method 3
the thin film material allowing for reduced radiation doses during sterilization
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a box-shaped tip package (1) comprising a rigid frame (2) having at least one side opening (3, 4, 5, 6) and/or a bottom opening (7), and a top opening (8). The box-shaped tip package (1) has thin film material (11, 12, 13) covering the at least one side opening (3, 4, 5, 6) and/or the bottom opening (7). The tip package (1) is configured to receive a tip tray (9) onto the rigid frame (2) and is configured to withstand tip picking forces.