Container Holding Device With Inverted Clips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container nests are limited in density and process economy, particularly when handling larger vials and custom dimensions, requiring high precision and often robotic assistance for weighing and closing, and are not efficient for accommodating vials with non-standard dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A container holding device with holding elements located at the bottom surface of the base plate, contacting the containers at the underside of the rolled edge, allowing for loose placement and easier removal, and adaptable to accommodate vials of various sizes, including larger ones, by arranging clips obliquely to facilitate the use of closure systems with custom dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If containers are held by resilient holding arms (clips) at the rolled edge, then containers can be securely held in position, but removing containers requires high precision and often robotic assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The holding elements are inverted from the conventional design where clips grip the rolled edge from above. Instead, the holding elements are arranged on the bottom surface of the base plate, contacting the containers from below at the underside of the rolled edge. This inversion allows containers to be easily removed by simple upward movement while maintaining secure holding during processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding action is extracted from the rolled edge contact point and relocated to the bottom surface of the base plate. By taking out the gripping function from the conventional clip position and placing it at the underside of the rolled edge, the design enables easy removal while maintaining holding reliability.
2Ease of operation
If holding elements are arranged on the bottom surface of the base plate, then container removal is simplified and easier, but the density at which containers can be arranged is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holding elements are positioned in the vertical dimension at the bottom surface of the base plate, contacting the underside of the rolled edge. This dimensional arrangement allows containers to be held securely while maintaining sufficient horizontal spacing for easy removal, optimizing both density and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the diameter of holes in the nest is at least equal to the outer diameter of containers in the body region, then containers can be freely accessed for processing, but the nest is subjected to restrictions regarding container arrangement density
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is segmented with multiple holes arranged in a defined array, each hole accommodating one container. This segmentation allows individual container access for processing while maintaining high density through optimized hole arrangement and size, preventing the need for excessive spacing between containers.
4Reliability
If holding elements contact the rolled edge of containers, then containers are held securely in position, but scratching may occur during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The holding elements act as intermediaries between the base plate and containers, contacting the containers at the underside of the rolled edge. This intermediary positioning secures containers during handling while minimizing direct friction and scratching risks compared to conventional clip gripping at the rolled edge.
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
Increases container density and process economy by allowing easier removal and handling of vials of all sizes, including larger ones, without increasing the force required for movement, and prevents scratching during handling, enhancing the efficiency of pharmaceutical filling stations.
Implementation Method 1
resilient holding arms, such as clips
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a container holding device for holding one or more containers, each container comprising a top region with a top edge, a bottom edge and an outer diameter d1, a neck region having an outer diameter d2 < d1, a shoulder region and a body region with an outer diameter d3 > d1, wherein the container holding device comprises - a base plate having an upper surface and a bottom surface, wherein the base plate comprises one or more holes, each hole extending from the upper surface to the bottom surface and having a central symmetry axis Laxis orthogonal to said base plate; - two or more holding elements that are located around each hole beneath the bottom surface of the base plate; wherein the holding elements are adapted and arranged i) to contact the outer surface of a container that is placed into the container holding device at the bottom edge of the top region, such that the container is hanging in the container holding device in a first position p1 in which the holding elements preferably do not exert any force on the outer surface of the container that is, with respect to said central symmetry axis Laxis, radial; and ii) to contact the outer surface of the container in the shoulder region of the container, thereby stabilizing the container if the container is raised upwards in the container holding device towards second position p2. The invention also relates to a kit comprising a container holding device and a closure system holding device, to process for producing closed treated containers and to the use of a holding device.