Transient Adhesive for Sterilization Wrap Tabs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional disposable sterilization wraps with pull tabs and wings can move during manufacturing, causing disruptions and issues with equipment entanglement, and may fall off during pre-wrapping, potentially hitting the floor.

Innovation Solution

A multi-panel sterilization assembly with pull tabs and wings that are permanently attached using a transient adhesive during manufacturing, ensuring they remain in place until the assembly is completed, then easily removable for use, utilizing a peel strength of at least 1.47 N during assembly and less than 1.47 N after manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pull tabs and wings are permanently attached during manufacturing, then movement and entanglement during manufacturing is prevented, but ease of removal after sterilization is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability during manufacturingVSAvoidease of removal after sterilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive transitions from a bonded state during manufacturing to a non-bonded state after sterilization, dynamically changing its properties to resolve the contradiction between stability during manufacturing and ease of removal after sterilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive's bond strength parameter changes due to sterilization conditions (heat, moisture), transforming from a strong bond during manufacturing to a weak or non-bonding state after sterilization, enabling easy removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If strong adhesive is used to attach pull tabs and wings, then stability during manufacturing is improved, but residue and damage during removal after sterilization increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidresidue and fiber loosening
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive is designed as a temporary, disposable bonding agent that serves its purpose during manufacturing and then naturally detaches without causing damage or residue, similar to disposable materials that fulfill their function and are discarded

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The transient adhesive acts as an intermediary substance that temporarily bonds components during manufacturing but naturally detaches after sterilization, mediating between the need for stability during manufacturing and ease of removal afterward

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Prevents movement and entanglement of pull tabs and wings during manufacturing, ensuring smooth production and easy unwrapping without tears or fiber loosening, while allowing for secure wrapping and removal after sterilization without residue.

Implementation Method 1

The transient adhesive is only needed during the manufacturing process, so it loses strength thereafter and the length of the pull tabs and/or wings are easily pulled off of the barrier panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3157580B1Multi-panel sterilization assembly with transport adhesive
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 O&M HALYARD INC
  • EP3157580B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1E
  • EP3157580B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2E

AI summary

A multi-panel sterilization assembly is provided 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 assembly has at least one pull tab attached to an end of the barrier panel to aid in unfolding the assembly after sterilization. At least one wing and/or pull tab is held in place against the barrier panel during manufacturing with a transient adhesive that loses strength such that the wing or pull tab is easily pulled off the barrier panel after sterilization.