Mounting cards have gained significant traction globally as an alternative means of securing medical devices centrally and protecting them from damage. These cards are seen as a viable alternative to trays, playing a similar role by securing and protecting the device during transport and storage. Mounting cards are designed to keep devices centered, protected and guided to prevent unnecessary stress on the pouching side seals.
This article highlights the most important considerations for engineers when integrating mounting cards into their packaging solutions.
Recycle Me!
With recyclability becoming a priority for many companies in the medical industry, engineers must now consider the end-of-life of packaging materials. A key question they face is: “What happens to the packaging after use?”
Not all mounting card materials are easily recyclable. When selecting materials, engineers must consider:
- Material Purity: Virgin materials are easier to recycle as they do not require separation processes.
- Recycling Technology: The ease with which a material can be recycled depends on how widely accepted and available recycling technology for that material is.
- Recycling Certifications: Materials that have recycling certifications provide higher confidence that the mounting card material will be disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner
Choosing materials that are easily accepted by recycling centers can help reduce recycling costs for manufacturers, thus lowering costs for both manufacturers and end users. Engineers should also ask for recycling certifications where possible to further validate the use of a mounting card material.
In The End… It Really Does Matter
For engineers in the medical device industry, usability and end use are essential factors during the design and prototyping of both the device and its accessories. When considering mounting cards, it’s crucial to ensure that the design of the mounting card also takes usability and end use into account.
Key considerations include:
- Ensuring the device is secured adequately; not too tightly (which could make disassembly difficult) or too loosely (which could cause movement during transport).
- Ensuring the card is easy to dispose of after use, minimizing waste.
- Minimizing unnecessary features that could affect the ease of assembly and disassembly.
These factors greatly impact user-friendliness of the packaging. Nurses and end users should be able to easily disassemble the device from the mounting card without unnecessary difficulties. The securing features should strike a balance between holding the device firmly while ensuring ease of removal.
Mounting card designers focus on usability by creating features that secure devices appropriately. They aim to minimize complexity in assembly and end-use while considering disposal to reduce the overall environmental footprint.
Sturdy As Can Be
Another critical factor when considering mounting cards in medical packaging is the rigidity of the card itself. If a heavy or bulky device is mounted, the card may bend or arc, compromising its ability to secure the device properly. Such deformation increases the likelihood of device failure during transportation testing.
To mitigate this, engineers should consider:
- Card Thickness: Ensuring the card is thick enough to maintain its shape during transport.
- Strengthening Features: Adding features that help maintain the card’s shape and improve rigidity.
Mounting card designers often select mounting cards with the appropriate thickness, density and toughness to minimize bending. Features that strengthen the card can also be created to keep mounting cards rigid and ensure that mounting cards hold their shape.
For Your Reference…
The design process for mounting cards is significantly smoother when packaging suppliers are provided with accurate product references. It’s always best to engage a packaging supplier early in the development stage, preferably with an actual product or a 3D prototype in hand. This allows the supplier to design mounting cards that are tailored to the specific product and accessory dimensions.
If an actual product is unavailable, a detailed 3D prototype or a drawing of the device can also help, although 3D prototypes tend to be less accurate and may result in more design iterations.
Mounting card designers ensure that reference products are kept confidential during the design process and aim to reduce overall turnaround time by designing accurately to the reference products provided.
Communication Sparks Creation
Clear communication with the design team is crucial throughout the development process. At the outset, engineers should share information regarding the sensitive areas of the device and any design boundaries. As the design progresses, regular feedback on test-fittings, aesthetics, and other requirements (such as storage methodology) should be exchanged. After the design is finalized, user testing and feedback (through Voice of Customer) can help identify any areas that may need further refinement.
Mounting card designers often maintain regular check-ins throughout the design process to ensure that everything proceeds smoothly and consider all feedback to evaluate its feasibility before implementing any changes.
結論
In conclusion, several factors contribute to successful mounting card usage in medical packaging. Key elements for successful implementation include:
- Coordination among stakeholders such as the customer, designers, and end-users.
- The accuracy of the reference product provided for the design.
- Choosing the correct mounting card material thickness.
By considering these factors, engineers can ensure that their medical devices are packaged with the most effective, secure, and environmentally responsible solutions.
