Touchless Package for HPLC Frits and Guard Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging for frits and guard columns in HPLC systems lacks features for efficient removal and installation, leading to challenges such as contamination and system downtime.
Innovation Solution
A touchless package design featuring a base with receptacles of varying diameters, a cover with a textured surface for grip, and a method for inserting and removing fittings without direct contact with the product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual removal of frits and guard columns is performed by pinching or using tweezers, then the product can be removed from the package, but contamination of the product occurs and system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The package is segmented into a base portion and a removable cover portion, allowing the cover to be detached and used as a handling tool. This segmentation enables the cover to be separated from the product, allowing manipulation of the product without direct contact from user hands or tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable cover acts as an intermediary tool between the user and the product. By attaching the cover to the base and using it to engage with the product, the user can remove the product without direct contact, preventing contamination while maintaining efficient removal speed.
2Ease of operation
If current packaging without guiding features is used, then the package structure is simple, but the installation of new frits and guard columns becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The package includes pre-formed receptacles with specific geometries and guiding features that are prepared in advance. These features preliminarily position and guide the new frits and guard columns during installation, making the installation process easier without requiring complex external tools or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacles have localized guiding features and specific geometric qualities at critical locations. These local structural features provide alignment and insertion guidance exactly where needed, improving installation ease without adding overall complexity to the entire package structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A package (100), including a base (150) having at least one receptacle (151), in which the at least one receptacle (151) includes a first portion (154) having a first diameter (D1) and a second portion (152) having a bottom surface and a second diameter (D2) is disclosed. A method for removing a product from the package is also disclosed.