Container Holding Structure With Self-Centering Receptacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding structures for pharmaceutical, medical, and cosmetic containers suffer from low packing density, difficulty in precise positioning and centering, and complex production processes, leading to inefficiencies in storage and handling.
Innovation Solution
A holding structure with receptacles featuring centring elements and holding projections that allow for self-centering of containers, enabling precise positioning and easy handling, while being cost-effective and easy to produce.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If receptacles are formed by peripheral side walls with simple geometry (circular or quadrangular), then manufacturing is easier, but positioning precision and centring of containers deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is segmented into multiple functional elements: peripheral side walls for containment, holding projections for support, and centring elements with bevelled configuration for positioning. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The centring elements with bevelled configuration perform preliminary centring action during container insertion. The bevelled surfaces guide the container into proper alignment before it reaches the holding projections, ensuring precise positioning without complex manufacturing processes.
2Ease of operation
If containers are held with large play in simple receptacles, then ease of insertion improves, but packing density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bevelled centring elements perform preliminary guiding and centring during insertion, allowing containers to be easily inserted while maintaining tight spacing. The bevels facilitate smooth insertion without requiring large clearance, thereby enabling high packing density.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical system of large-play receptacles is replaced by a guided insertion system using bevelled surfaces. This substitution maintains ease of insertion through guided movement rather than loose fitting, allowing tighter packing arrangements.
3Quantity of substance
If holding structures use complex internal structures (positioning cylinders and separating webs), then packing density improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into simpler structural elements. The peripheral side walls, holding projections, and centring elements work together as an integrated system, replacing the need for separate positioning cylinders and separating webs. This merging maintains high packing density while simplifying the overall structure and production.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral side walls serve multiple functions: containing the container, providing structural support, and working with the holding projections and centring elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall design while maintaining high packing density.
4Ease of manufacture
If receptacles have circular or quadrangular basic shape, then ease of manufacture improves, but centring precision of cylindrical containers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bevelled centring elements perform preliminary centring action during insertion, compensating for the non-circular receptacle shape. The bevelled surfaces guide the cylindrical container into proper alignment, achieving precise centring despite the simple geometric shape of the receptacle.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometry of the receptacle cross-section is changed from circular to a shape with flat sides (hexagonal or similar), which simplifies manufacturing while the bevelled centring elements provide the necessary centring precision for cylindrical containers.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to a supporting structure with a plurality of containers (60) for substances for pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications supported at the supporting structure, the containers having a base body (62) which merges at an upper end into a shoulder portion (64) followed by a narrowed neck portion (65) having a widened upper rim with an opening (67). The supporting structure comprises a plurality of receptacles (5) arranged in a regular arrangement and formed by circumferential side walls (10), wherein the containers (60) are accommodated in the receptacles (5), and wherein holding projections (22) for holding the containers in the receptacles are provided at the lower ends of the receptacles, said holding projections projecting radially inwardly into the receptacles at the lower ends. According to the invention, centering members (15) for centering the containers (60) in the receptacles (5) are disposed above the holding projections (22), wherein the centering members (15) are bevelled and project into the receptacles, for reducing a width of the receptacles in a funnel-shaped manner at their lower ends, wherein the containers are supported directly on the holding projections. This makes it easy to accomplish a self-centering of the containers. The containers can be guided into a desired position with low friction when they are inserted vertically from above, without there being any risk of jamming of the containers.