Dual-Sided Support Structure for Pharmaceutical Container Batch Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding structures for medical and pharmaceutical containers hinder efficient and sterile processing, as they require separation for further processing, leading to potential contamination and reduced processing speed due to uncontrolled collisions and limited accessibility for freeze drying.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with a flat, rectangular design featuring openings and elastic latching hooks that securely hold cylindrical containers on both sides, allowing for batch processing and direct access to the container bottoms for freeze drying, while preventing collisions and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If containers are separated using star feeders or conveyor devices, then individual containers can be transferred to processing stations, but containers collide in an uncontrolled manner leading to abrasion and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure divides containers into individually accessible positions within a organized array, allowing controlled access to each container while maintaining the group structure. This segmentation enables transfer of individual containers without uncontrolled collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary device between the bulk container storage and the processing stations. It provides a controlled interface where containers can be systematically accessed and transferred one at a time, preventing direct uncontrolled collisions between containers.
2Quantity of substance
If containers are held in a holding structure for simultaneous storage, then space efficiency is improved, but accessibility for freeze drying and further processing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holding structure segments containers into individually accessible positions within a organized array, allowing space-efficient simultaneous storage while enabling easy access to any specific container for freeze drying or other processing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure arranges containers in a two-dimensional array pattern, optimizing space utilization while maintaining accessibility from multiple sides. This dimensional arrangement allows processors to access containers without disrupting the entire storage structure.
3Productivity
If containers are processed individually after separation, then processing can be performed, but processing speed is reduced due to separation time and uncontrolled collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure preliminarily organizes containers in an accessible array pattern before processing begins. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for complex separation mechanisms during processing, as containers are already positioned for efficient access, thereby increasing processing speed without adding device complexity.
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
Enables efficient, collision-free batch processing and lyophilization of containers within the holding structure, reducing automation effort and maintaining system cleanliness, with flexible adaptation for containers of varying dimensions and easy removal without contamination risk.
Implementation Method 1
elastic latching hooks that securely hold cylindrical containers on both sides
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
A holding structure for simultaneously holding a plurality of containers (2) for substances for medical, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic applications is disclosed. The structure comprises a flat, rectangular support (134) with a plurality of openings (39) arranged in a regular pattern and associated holding means (160) for positively engaging the plurality of containers (2) on the support (134). According to the invention, the holding means project from an underside of the support and are designed to positively engage the containers (2) at their upper edges. Receptacles are provided on an upper surface of the support opposite the underside, designed to receive containers (2) on the upper surface of the support. According to the invention, the containers can also be further processed within the holding structure or in a transport and packaging container that receives them. Easy access to the containers is possible.Several such holding structures can be stacked on top of each other with the containers. The containers can be transferred to further processing stations in batches while still held in the holding structure.