Pharmaceutical Container Holder With Stuck-Release Remover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pharmaceutical order processing systems involve labor-intensive processes to remove pharmaceuticals from manufacturer packaging and transfer them to bulk storage containers.

Innovation Solution

A container holder with movable jaws and a gripper mechanism that can grip, rotate, and release containers, featuring a container remover to dislodge stuck containers using container strikers to facilitate efficient transfer of pharmaceuticals to bulk storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a gripper mechanism is used to hold and move containers, then automation and efficiency are improved, but containers may stick to the gripper jaws due to adhesive labels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation efficiencyVSAvoidcontainer release reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A container remover mechanism acts as an intermediary between the gripper and the container. When the container becomes stuck to the gripper jaws, the container remover contacts the container and applies force to dislodge it from the gripper, ensuring reliable container release without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting and resolving container sticking issues. The container remover is activated when a container fails to release naturally from the gripper, allowing the system to correct the problem without external intervention and maintain continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual processes are used to remove pharmaceuticals from containers, then container sticking issues can be addressed, but labor intensity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer release reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical intervention with an automated container remover mechanism. Instead of requiring human operators to manually remove stuck containers, the system uses an actuated remover mechanism that automatically contacts and dislodges stuck containers, eliminating labor while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260054395A1Container holder for pharmaceutical container processing systems

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 EXPRESS SCRIPTS STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT INC

AI summary

A container holder for holding a container in a container processing system. The container holder includes first and second jaws moveable between a gripping position and an open position. The first and second jaws holding the container when the first and second jaws are in the gripping position. The first and second jaws releasing the container when the first and second jaws move from the gripping position toward the open position. A container remover contacts the container held by the first and second jaws as the first and second jaws move from the gripping position toward the open position to remove the container from the first and second jaws should the container be stuck to the first jaw or the second jaw.