Container Fixing Assembly With Load Cell Force Decoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container processing systems face challenges in reliably fixing non-stable containers, such as syringes and ampoules, to weighing devices without causing excessive force on the load cell, which can lead to damage and inaccurate weight measurements.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device with a movable holding device and support device that decouples the force applied to the load cell, allowing for reduced impact during insertion and removal of containers, and includes a support body that moves relative to the support element to minimize stress on the load cell.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a container is divided into multiple compartments with partitions, then the functionality and versatility of the container are improved, but the structural complexity and difficulty of assembly are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer functionalityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into multiple compartments using partitions that can be inserted and removed. Each partition creates a separate compartment, allowing the container to be customized for different storage needs. The partitions are designed as separate components that fit into grooves or slots in the container walls, enabling easy assembly and disassembly without requiring complex structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partitions are designed to be movable and reconfigurable within the container. They can be inserted at different positions along the container length and removed when needed, allowing dynamic adjustment of compartment sizes and configurations. This dynamic design enables the same container structure to adapt to various storage requirements without permanent modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a container is divided into multiple compartments with partitions, then the functionality and versatility of the container are improved, but the assembly time and processing steps are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer functionalityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The partitions are pre-formed with insertion features such as grooves, slots, or guiding edges that align with corresponding features in the container walls. This preliminary preparation of the partition components allows for quick and accurate insertion without requiring complex alignment procedures or multiple assembly steps during the actual assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The partition design includes self-aligning features where the partition automatically positions itself correctly as it is inserted into the container. The grooves and slots are shaped to guide the partition into the correct orientation and position, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and reducing assembly time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a fixing device uses a pressing member to apply pressing force, then the reliability of container closure is improved, but the risk of deformation to the container or partition board increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer closureVSAvoidcontainer deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing member is designed with a flexible or compliant structure that can deform under pressing force and then return to its original shape. This flexibility allows the pressing member to apply sufficient closing force to secure the container lid while accommodating variations in container geometry and avoiding concentrated stresses that could cause permanent deformation of the rigid partition boards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing member is designed to distribute the pressing force over a larger surface area, changing the pressure distribution parameters. By increasing the contact area between the pressing member and the container components, the local pressure is reduced, preventing deformation of the partition boards while still providing sufficient total force to ensure reliable container closure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4469760B1Fixing device for a container and system for processing containers
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 BAUSCH STROEBEL MASCHINENFABRIK ILSHOFEN GMBH CO KG
  • EP4469760B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4469760B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4469760B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a fixing device for temporarily fixing a container (12), in particular a pharmaceutical container, to a weighing device (30) of a system (10) for processing containers (12), comprising a holding device (38) and a support device (39). The holding device (38) comprises a container receiving area (75) into which the container (12) can be inserted and out of which the container (12) can be removed, at least one holding element (67) for holding the container (12) in the container receiving area (75), and a contact body (80), wherein the support device (39) comprises a support body (49) and a connection body (41), which is connected to the support body (49), for connecting to the weighing device (30), and the holding device (38) rests on the support body (49) via the contact body (80). The contact body (80) is designed to be movable relative to the support body (49) on the basis of a force acting on the holding device (38), in particular on the at least one holding element (67), when the container (12) is inserted into the container receiving area (75) and/or when the container (12) is removed from the container receiving area (75). The invention additionally relates to a system for processing containers (12), in particular pharmaceutical containers.