Support Device for 3D Flexible Pouch Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for filling 3D flexible pouches with biopharmaceutical products in rigid containers are complex and prone to errors, such as incorrect unfolding, orientation issues, and interference with supply lines, leading to incomplete filling and potential damage to the pouch.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves extending the flexible pouch along a given inner face of the storage housing, using a support device with a convex guide surface to maintain the upper end outside the housing and guide the supply lines, preventing retention and mobility issues during filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the flexible pouch is placed in the storage housing of the rigid container to begin loading, then the pouch can be filled with biopharmaceutical product, but the pouch may catch on the inner faces of the axial wall causing incorrect unfolding and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is installed on the rigid container before the flexible pouch is placed inside. This preliminary setup creates the guided path and support structure in advance, preventing the pouch from catching on walls during deployment and ensuring correct unfolding orientation from the start of the filling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device acts as an intermediary element between the rigid container and the flexible pouch. It provides a dedicated support surface and guiding structure that mediates the interaction between the pouch and container walls, preventing direct contact that causes catching and incorrect unfolding.
2Ease of operation
If the flexible pouch is positioned on the bottom of the housing, then manipulation and transport are eliminated, but the upper end remains at a distance requiring complex supply line routing
Solution Approach 1:
The support device extends vertically from the bottom of the housing toward the upper opening, creating a new spatial dimension for positioning. This allows the upper end of the pouch to be supported at an elevated position rather than remaining at the bottom, shortening the supply line routing path while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Reliability
If the flexible pouch is extended along the inner face with upper end outside the housing, then supply lines can be guided properly, but the pouch requires additional support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The support device utilizes a flexible or semi-flexible structure that can adapt to the pouch's deployment without requiring rigid, complex mechanisms. This flexible approach provides the necessary support and guidance while minimizing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A support device (20), mounted on an upper edge of a container (3), includes lifting elements that define a support surface (22) which extends transversely outwards from an inner edge (55). The upper end (2b) of a flexible pouch for biopharmaceutical product can rest on this support surface, the rest of the 3D-type pouch extending into the container. The slot (23) which separates the support surface into two portions defines a guide path for a flexible supply line (9a, 9b) for the pouch (2) that is connected at its bottom to the end (2b). A convex surface is formed at the rear end of the slot and above the edge of the container, so as to guide and facilitate the passage of the line (9a) into the housing, when the filling state is sufficiently advanced. The causes of poor deployment of the pouch are thus minimized, without human intervention.