Adjustable Receptacle Holding Structure for Vial Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport and packaging containers for medical or pharmaceutical containers, such as vials, require separation for further processing, leading to inefficiencies in processing speed and increased risk of contamination due to uncontrolled collisions and inadequate access for sterile or freeze-drying procedures.
Innovation Solution
A holding structure with continuous side walls that allows for frictional or clamping engagement of cylindrical containers, enabling adjustable opening widths for secure positioning and processing while maintaining access to the container bottoms, allowing for batch processing and reduced collision risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If containers are separated using star feeders or conveyor devices, then individual containers can be transferred to processing stations, but containers collide in an uncontrolled manner leading to abrasion and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The holding structure is divided into multiple individual receptacles, each designed to hold a single container. This segmentation allows containers to be transferred individually while maintaining their spatial separation, preventing collisions during the transfer process to processing stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding structure acts as an intermediary device between the transport container and processing stations. It provides a controlled interface for container transfer, replacing the uncontrolled star feeder mechanism with a structured receptacle system that guides containers safely to processing stations.
2Measurement precision
If containers are processed individually after separation, then processing can be performed at controlled positions, but processing speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple containers are held simultaneously in the holding structure with precise positional control. This allows multiple containers to be processed in parallel at controlled positions, merging the benefits of individual position control with batch processing capability to increase overall productivity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If holding structures are rigid, then containers are securely held in position, but access to container bottoms for freeze-drying is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The holding structure incorporates movable or adjustable components that allow dynamic access to container bottoms. The structure can open or adjust its configuration to permit freeze-drying equipment to access container bottoms while maintaining secure holding during other processing operations.
4Ease of manufacture
If containers are held loosely in receptacles, then insertion is easy, but containers can slip sideways during processing
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacles are designed with different local qualities: the upper portion allows easy insertion with minimal resistance, while the lower portion provides form-fit engagement and frictional holding to prevent sideways movement during processing. This gradient of holding strength solves both insertion ease and position stability requirements.
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
This solution enables efficient, collision-free processing of containers in batches, enhancing automation and reducing contamination risks, while allowing direct contact with processing equipment like freeze-drying cabinets, thus improving processing speed and maintaining container integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of cylindrical containers (2) held in a regular arrangement in a holding structure (25) by friction or clamping
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
A holding structure for simultaneously holding a plurality of cylindrical containers (2) for substances for medical, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic applications comprises a carrier (25; 134) which has a plurality of receptacles (39) designed so that the containers can be inserted into the associated receptacles. The receptacles extend longitudinally along the containers and are designed to clamp side wall sections (4) of the containers (2), at least partially. The receptacles have continuous side walls, and the opening widths of the receptacles (39) are adjustable between a first position, in which the containers can be inserted into the receptacles, and a second position, in which the containers are clamped, by coordinated adjustment of the side walls of the receptacles. Despite tolerances, the bottom or top of the containers can be fixed at a precise height.According to the invention, the containers can also be further processed in the holding structure or in a transport and packaging container that accommodates them. Since no bottom support of the containers is required in the holding structure, easy access to the containers is possible. In particular, they can be transferred batch by batch in the holding structure to downstream processing stations and processed there.