Flange Holder Transport for Scratch-Free Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing processes for containers, such as syringe barrels, face challenges in maintaining quality and safety due to potential scratching during handling and the difficulty in distinguishing scratches from contaminants, which can affect the integrity of the stored goods.
Innovation Solution
A holder and transport device system that secures containers via flanges using fastening elements, allowing for secure handling and positioning without direct contact, and includes a passageway for internal access and external actuation for rotation and inspection, minimizing scratching and enabling efficient manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If containers are handled during manufacturing processes, then manufacturing operations can be performed, but scratching of the container surface occurs which compromises quality and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The holder serves as an intermediary device between the manufacturing system and the container. It secures the container via the flange using fastening elements, allowing all manufacturing operations (coating, inspection, rotation) to be performed without direct contact with the container body, thereby preventing scratching while enabling productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If direct contact handling of containers is used, then secure positioning is achieved, but scratches are caused on the container surface
Solution Approach 1:
The holder acts as a mediator that provides secure positioning through the flange interface while isolating the container body from contact. The fastening elements engage the flange structure rather than the container body, maintaining manufacturing precision without causing surface damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is functionally segmented into the flange (for secure handling via holder engagement) and the body (protected from contact). This segmentation allows the holder to grip the flange while leaving the container body untouched, achieving secure positioning without scratching.
3Measurement precision
If containers are rotated for inspection, then quality assessment is improved, but additional positioning sensors increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The holder pre-establishes a fixed reference frame through its mechanical structure and connection to the base plate. The container is secured in a known initial position, and rotation is performed as a controlled operation from this reference, eliminating the need for additional sensors to determine positioning during inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder's mechanical design inherently provides positioning reference through its structure and connection points. The system uses the holder's own geometry and fixed mounting to self-determine container position during rotation, without requiring external sensing systems.
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 system effectively maintains container integrity by reducing scratching and simplifying inspection and coating processes, ensuring high-quality production without additional sensors for positioning, and enhancing the safety and quality of the manufactured containers.
Implementation Method 1
one or more fastening elements that are configured to engage one or more of a top surface, a bottom surface, or a peripheral surface of the flange
Implementation Method 2
the fastening element is configured to apply suction between the support surface of the holder and the bottom surface of the flange
Data Source
AI summary
A holder, a transport device, and a method of manufacturing a container are described. The container comprises a body that extends along an axis and a flange that extends radially to the axis, and the holder comprises one or more fastening elements that are configured to engage one or more of a top surface, a bottom surface, or a peripheral surface of the flange.