Centering device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing centering devices face challenges in inserting pharmaceutical containers like syringes, ampoules, and vials into storage containers due to slightly deformed objects, large tolerances, and protruding components, which hinder efficient and accurate alignment, especially when objects have a diameter smaller than the largest diameter and require offset arrangement.
Innovation Solution
A centering device with a plate-like base body featuring adjacent indentations and recesses allows for effective insertion by guiding objects laterally through the indentations, accommodating smaller diameters and offset arrangements, and includes a comb-like design with beveled edges and funnel shapes to compensate for deviations and facilitate precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional centering devices are used for inserting objects into storage containers, then the insertion process is hindered by deformed objects and large tolerances, but the device structure becomes more complex to accommodate these issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the centering device by providing indentations with specific dimensions and shapes in the base body and recess. These indentations are designed with precise depth and width parameters to accommodate objects with varying diameters and deformations, allowing reliable centering without complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The centering device is segmented into a base body with first indentations and a recess with second indentations. This segmentation allows each indentation to independently accommodate and center objects, providing reliability for deformed objects while keeping the overall device structure simple through modular repetition of the indentation feature
2Measurement precision
If objects with protruding parts are inserted into storage containers, then the diameter to be centered is smaller than the largest diameter of the object, but the centering accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different indentation configurations in different locations of the centering device. The first indentations in the base body and second indentations in the recess are positioned and dimensioned to specifically accommodate objects with protruding parts, allowing accurate centering of the smaller diameter portion while the protruding parts extend beyond the indentation boundaries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent solves the diameter mismatch problem by transitioning to a three-dimensional centering approach. Instead of attempting to center the entire object including protruding parts in a single plane, the device uses vertical indentations in the base body and recess that center the object at its smallest cross-section, allowing protruding parts to extend in the vertical dimension without affecting centering accuracy
3Stability of the object's composition
If objects are arranged in offset rows in storage containers, then the insertion pattern becomes more organized, but the lateral movement requirement increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the offset pattern of indentations in the base body and recess to match the desired offset row arrangement in the storage container. The first and second indentations are positioned in advance to create the offset pattern, eliminating the need for lateral movement during the insertion process
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the centering device laterally to accommodate offset rows, the patent inverts the approach by moving the objects through vertical insertion while the indentations themselves are arranged in offset patterns. This reverses the traditional approach of lateral device movement to vertical object movement with pre-configured offset indentations
4Productivity
If objects are quickly inserted into storage containers, then processing efficiency increases, but collision between objects and device components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the indentations with tapered walls that guide objects smoothly into the centering position. The gradual convergence of the indentation walls provides a cushioning effect that decelerates objects during insertion, preventing collisions at high speeds while maintaining productivity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a centering device for the orderly insertion of objects into a storage container, comprising: a plate-like base body, several adjacent first indentations in an outer edge of the base body, a recess in the base body, and several adjacent second indentations in an edge of the recess, wherein the first indentations and the second indentations are the same in their orientation.