Adjustable Container Gripper for Variable Pharmaceutical Pitch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling systems for pharmaceutical containers lack versatility in accommodating containers of different types and sizes, leading to inefficiencies in processing due to mismatched spacings between carriers and transport devices.
Innovation Solution
A handling apparatus with movable holding elements and a spacing changing device that adjusts the spacing between holding elements to adapt to different container pitches, allowing seamless transfer between various carriers and transport devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the holding elements are fixed in position, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the apparatus cannot accommodate containers of different types and sizes with varying spacings
Solution Approach 1:
The holding elements are made movable along guide rails, allowing dynamic adjustment of spacing between holding elements to accommodate different container types and sizes. This transforms the static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to varying requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element positioning system is divided into independent movable holding elements that can be individually adjusted along guide rails. This segmentation allows flexible configuration of spacing between holding elements without moving the entire structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the holding elements are made movable to adapt to different spacings, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Guide rails are introduced as intermediary elements that enable smooth movement of holding elements while maintaining precise positioning. The guide rails mediate between the movable holding elements and the fixed apparatus structure, simplifying the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails and movable holding element system serve multiple functions: they enable spacing adjustment, provide stable support for containers of various sizes, and maintain alignment during transfer operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
3Productivity
If the apparatus is designed for fixed pitch transfer, then the transfer mechanism is simple, but it cannot maintain constant pitch when handling containers of different types and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element spacing is made dynamically adjustable while maintaining constant pitch during the actual transfer operation. The system can reconfigure spacing between transfers but maintains stable, constant pitch during transfer to ensure efficient and reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding elements are pre-positioned and spaced according to the specific container configuration before the transfer operation begins. This preliminary adjustment ensures that the transfer mechanism operates with optimal, constant pitch without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the transfer itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A handling apparatus and a processing system for pharmaceutical containers, for example vials, syringes, carpules or ampules. The handling apparatus includes two or more holding elements via which a container can be gripped in each case and of which at least one holding element can be selectively moved back and forth along a movement direction, and a spacing changing device for transferring the holding elements from a first relative position into a second relative position, and vice versa, in which the holding elements have a spacing from one another which differs from the spacing in the first relative position.