Carrier System for Batch Freeze-Drying Medical Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for processing medicament containers, such as freeze-drying, are inefficient due to the need for individual handling, leading to increased costs, contamination risks, and reduced processing speed, as conventional holding structures do not allow for direct contact between container bottoms and cooling surfaces, necessitating complex handling and separation procedures.
Innovation Solution
A carrier system that holds multiple containers in a regular arrangement, allowing direct contact with a cooling surface during freeze-drying, with frictional or form-fitting mechanisms to secure the containers without the need for individual removal, enabling batch processing and reducing handling complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If containers are separated and transferred individually to processing stations, then processing can be performed, but processing speed is limited and containers may collide causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple containers are simultaneously held in a single carrier device with multiple receptacles, allowing batch processing through the freeze-drying cabinet without individual separation. This merging approach increases processing speed while maintaining container stability through the carrier's holding structures that prevent collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier device serves as an intermediary between the containers and the freeze-drying cabinet. It provides a stable platform with cooling surfaces that enable direct thermal contact with container bottoms, while the carrier's structure prevents uncontrolled collisions during transfer and processing.
2Ease of operation
If conventional holding structures are used, then containers can be held, but direct contact with cooling surface is prevented requiring complex handling
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of raising containers off the cooling surface using support structures, the invention inverts the approach by designing the carrier receptacles so that container bottoms directly contact the cooling surfaces. The holding function is achieved through frictional or form-fitting mechanisms at the receptacle walls rather than support from below.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structures that previously raised containers off the cooling surface are completely removed. The carrier design extracts the unnecessary intermediary elements and allows direct thermal contact between container bottoms and cooling surfaces, simplifying the handling mechanism.
3Productivity
If containers are held in carrier during freeze-drying, then batch processing is enabled, but secure holding without collision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier receptacles are designed with frictional or form-fitting holding mechanisms that automatically secure containers through their geometric shape and surface properties. The containers self-hold in position without requiring additional active control mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while enabling secure batch processing.
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 approach enhances processing speed, reduces contamination risks, and lowers costs by allowing batch treatment of containers while maintaining secure and collision-free handling, ensuring efficient and reliable processing.
Implementation Method 1
the bottoms of the containers being in direct contact with the respective cooling surface during the drying process in the freeze-drying cabinet
Implementation Method 2
a process station is a freeze-drying cabinet with at least one cooling surface, in which a freeze-drying process is carried out
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
In a method and device for treating or processing containers (2) that are used for storing substances for medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications or contain the same, cylindrical containers open at least at one end are automatically led past or pass through processing stations for treatment or processing by means of a conveying device, while said processing stations are jointly held by a carrier (25; 134) in a regular two-dimensional arrangement. The carrier has a plurality of openings or receptacles (32; 39; 87; 120), which determine the regular arrangement. According to the invention, the treatment or processing of the containers is performed on or in at least one of the processing stations while the containers are held by the carrier. This opens up new possibilities for treating or processing the containers, for example when crimping metal covers or during freeze-drying.