Container Support Structure for Sterile Pharmaceutical Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport and packaging containers for medical, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic containers require individual isolation and adjustment for further processing, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination due to uncontrolled container positioning and handling.
Innovation Solution
A supporting structure that concurrently supports multiple containers in a predetermined configuration, allowing them to be processed in various orientations without adjusting processing stations, with resilient supporting tongues providing radial and axial clearance for containers of different dimensions, enabling easy handling and processing while maintaining sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If containers are isolated individually using cell wheels or similar devices, then they can be processed at controlled positions, but individual containers abut uncontrolled causing abrasion and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is segmented into multiple support openings arranged in a matrix pattern, with each opening accommodating one container. The partition walls between openings prevent containers from abutting against each other during processing, eliminating contamination and abrasion risks while maintaining precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Partition walls act as intermediary structures between adjacent containers, preventing direct contact and uncontrolled abutting. These walls maintain spacing between containers throughout the processing operation, eliminating the harmful effects of container-to-container friction and contamination.
2Ease of operation
If containers are processed individually after isolation, then processing can be performed, but processing speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple containers are merged into a single processing unit by keeping them together on the support plate during processing operations. The entire support plate with multiple containers can be moved as one unit through the processing line, enabling parallel processing and significantly increasing throughput compared to individual container handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate serves multiple functions: it positions containers during transport, prevents container-to-container contact through partition walls, and enables group processing through the processing line. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate isolation and processing steps, improving overall efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If supporting structure is removed and containers are isolated for processing, then individual processing is possible, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Containers are preliminarily positioned and secured in the support plate with partition walls before processing begins. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for complex isolation and repositioning operations during processing, as containers are already in their final processing positions with proper spacing maintained by the partition walls.
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
Facilitates efficient and sterile processing of containers by maintaining consistent end heights regardless of orientation, reducing contamination risks and automation efforts, and allowing for seamless integration with processing equipment like freeze-dryers.
Implementation Method 1
resilient supporting tongues providing radial and axial clearance for containers of different dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
A supporting structure for concurrently supporting a plurality of containers having a predetermined length for medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications comprises a carrier having a plurality of supporting means for supporting the containers on the carrier, optionally, at least in a first orientation (e.g. upright) or in a second orientation (upside-down or also upright).According to the invention the carrier is matched to the lengths of the containers such that the upper ends of the containers are arranged in the first position at the same distance to the carrier as the lower ends of the containers in the second position and that the upper ends and/or lower ends of the containers are accessible for a further processing of the containers while they are supported on the carrier.Thus, there is no need to adjust the heights of processing stations in which the containers are treated or processed further, regardless of whether the containers are supported on the carrier in the first position or in the second position, because the upper ends and lower ends of the containers are disposed on the same height level in both positions (orientations) of the containers. According to the invention this facilitates the treatment and processing of containers considerably because the effort in terms of adjustment, control and automation can be considerably simplified.