Glass Container Processing Capturing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for processing glass containers for pharmaceutical, medical, or cosmetic applications often result in surface scratches and contamination, particularly when processing large quantities simultaneously, leading to reduced strength and cosmetic defects.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that simultaneously clean and coat glass containers while maintaining a contact-free outer surface with other containers, using a capturing device to hold each container individually and prevent contact with materials harder than glass, ensuring the inner surface remains sealed to prevent contamination during processing steps like ultrasonic cleaning, coating with silicone emulsions, and drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If glass containers are processed simultaneously in large quantities, then productivity increases, but the glass containers suffer scratches and surface damage due to direct contact with other containers and system components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processing system into individual holding positions where each glass container is separated from others. The conveying device transports containers one by one through processing stations, preventing contact between multiple containers during processing while maintaining high throughput through continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a conveying device as an intermediary between processing stations that holds and transports individual glass containers without direct contact between containers. This mediator prevents scratches while enabling efficient material flow through the processing system.
2Productivity
If glass containers are processed simultaneously in large quantities, then productivity increases, but unwanted substances can enter and contaminate the inside of the glass containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inner volume of each glass container from the common processing environment by introducing individual sealing elements that close the container openings. This isolation prevents contamination from the external processing atmosphere while allowing the outer surface to be processed normally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality requirements to different parts of the glass container: the outer surface is processed for cleaning and coating, while the inner volume is sealed and protected from contamination. This local differentiation allows simultaneous processing without compromising sterility.
3Strength
If contact-free processing is implemented, then glass surface integrity is maintained, but device complexity increases due to individual holding and sealing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the conveying device and sealing elements to perform multiple functions: holding individual containers, transporting them through processing stations, and sealing the container openings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the holding, conveying, and sealing functions into an integrated system where the conveying device incorporates sealing elements that work together to maintain contact-free processing while managing container positions and protecting inner volumes.
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
This approach effectively prevents damage to the glass surface and contamination, enhancing the strength and integrity of the containers while ensuring cleanliness and sterility, suitable for mass production of pharmaceutical, medical, or cosmetic packaging.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of glass containers is simultaneously subjected to a first processing step in which the plurality of glass containers is simultaneously cleaned
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of glass containers is simultaneously coated such that the outer container surface of the glass containers is coated with a coating material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for processing glass containers, in particular for washing and coating of vials for pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, wherein a plurality of glass containers is simultaneously subjected to a first processing step and thereafter the plurality of glass containers is simultaneously subjected to a second processing step, and wherein before and/or during the first and/or second processing step the outer container surface of the glass container is contact-free or in contact with a material having a lower hardness than that of the glass container or only in contact with such materials, and to an apparatus for processing, in particular for washing and coating, glass containers with a capturing device which is designed to capture and hold a plurality of glass containers simultaneously, wherein the capturing device comprises a plurality of individual holding sockets, each of which is designed to capture and hold one of the glass containers individually and without contact to the other glass containers, at least two processing stations, each of which being designed to simultaneously subject the plurality of glass containers held by the capturing device to a specific processing step, and a transport device which is adapted to move the capturing device from one processing station to the next processing station such that the plurality of glass containers held by the capturing device is simultaneously transported from one processing station to the next processing station.