Elastic Tray for Pharmaceutical Glass Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging structures for sterilized syringes are ineffective for holding glass containers like bottles and other pharmaceutical containers, lacking flexibility and failing to maintain sterility and quality during handling and filling processes.

Innovation Solution

A package structure for glass containers featuring a tray with elastically yielding support holes and flaps that securely hold containers by their necks, ensuring stability and sterility, and allowing easy loading into process machines for filling and packaging, while maintaining product integrity and traceability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple grid structure with accommodation holes is used for holding syringes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for different container types (bottles, carpules, phials) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging structure complexityVSAvoidcontainer type adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging structure incorporates elastically yielding means that can dynamically adapt to different container types. The elastic elements deform to accommodate various container shapes and sizes (syringes, bottles, carpules, phials) while maintaining secure holding, allowing the same structure to serve multiple functions without complex redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging structure is designed as a universal system that can hold multiple types of pharmaceutical containers (syringes, bottles, carpules, phials) using the same basic grid structure with accommodation holes. The elastically yielding means provide universal adaptability across different container types without requiring type-specific fixtures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If containers are held by simply placing flange at perimeter edge, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability and protection against breakages deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer loading easeVSAvoidcontainer stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging structure applies different holding qualities at different locations: the elastically yielding means are positioned to contact specific local features of the containers (flanges, necks, or bodies) depending on container type, providing localized stabilization where needed while maintaining overall ease of loading through the grid structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If a rigid holding structure is used to protect containers against breakages, then the strength is improved, but the adaptability for different container types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against breakagesVSAvoidcontainer type adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The elastically yielding means change their physical parameters (deformation, contact force, positioning) based on the container type being held. This allows the same structure to provide appropriate protection strength for different container types (glass bottles, carpules, phials, syringes) without requiring rigid type-specific fixtures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution provides a flexible and secure packaging system that maintains the sterility and quality of glass containers, enabling efficient handling and filling processes without compromising the product's integrity or sterility, and facilitates automated handling and identification.

Implementation Method 1

the support plane (4) has - at each hole (12) - elastically yielding means for holding a container (6) through a holding force radial with respect to the central symmetry axis (S)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2840036B1Package structure for glass containers for pharmaceutical use
Publication Date: 2017.08.23 STEVANATO GRP INT
  • EP2840036B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2840036B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP2840036B1 patent drawingFigure 9~13

AI summary

The package structure for glass containers for pharmaceutical use (e.g.: bottles, carpules and phials...), comprises a tray (2) accommodating - at a raised position with respect to its bottom - a support plane (4) having a plurality of holes (12) for introducing containers (6) spaced with a preset spatial order, the support plane bearing, at each introduction hole, elastically yielding means for holding the container by means of a radial holding force, the holding means extending inside the volume enclosed by the projection of the perimeter of the hole in a manner parallel to the central symmetry axis of the latter.