Glass Substance Container with Sliding Punch for Precise Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pharmaceutical companies face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively handling small amounts of substances with varying consistencies from their libraries, requiring manual and time-consuming 1:1 filling processes, which are labor-intensive and prone to external contamination.

Innovation Solution

A substance container comprising a tubule with a sliding punch and a sleeve, where the punch projects out of the tubule, forming a seal, allowing for adjustable volume and protection against external influences, made from inert materials like glass for universal suitability and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual 1:1 filling is used for substances with varying consistencies, then substances can be transferred from storage to transport vessels, but time expenditure and personnel effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for substances of any consistencyVSAvoidfilling speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable single-use containers with integrated filling mechanisms that eliminate the need for manual transfer operations. The containers are designed to be used once and then discarded, removing the need for repeated cleaning and sterilization cycles, thereby dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining versatility across different substance types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The container design incorporates a universal filling mechanism that can handle substances of any consistency (powders, liquids, pastes, gels) through a single standardized interface. The punch system and seal configuration allow the same container type to be used across all substance types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized filling tools and significantly reducing time expenditure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If manual filling operations are performed, then substances can be transferred, but the process becomes labor-intensive and prone to external contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against external contaminationVSAvoidpersonnel effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The container is designed with self-sealing capabilities where the punch automatically creates and seals the opening during the filling process without requiring manual intervention. The container itself performs the sealing function through its structural design, eliminating personnel contact with the substance and thereby preventing external contamination while reducing labor intensity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate sealed barrier system consisting of the punch and seal configuration that mediates between the external environment and the substance. This intermediary mechanism allows automated filling while maintaining isolation, preventing contamination without requiring direct personnel handling of the substance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If specialized filling tools are used for different substance consistencies, then each substance type can be filled appropriately, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling of different substance consistenciesVSAvoidnumber of filling tools required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container incorporates a universal punch and seal design that can accommodate substances of any consistency through a single standardized mechanism. The punch geometry and seal configuration are designed to work with powders, liquids, pastes, and gels simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools and reducing device complexity while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If precise measurement of small substance amounts is required, then accuracy can be achieved, but the filling process becomes more time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracy in milligram and sub-milligram rangeVSAvoidfilling time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical filling operations with an automated punch mechanism that precisely controls substance dispensing. The punch system provides mechanical precision through controlled displacement and sealing, achieving accurate measurement in the milligram and sub-milligram range automatically without requiring time-consuming manual measurement and adjustment steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10265701B2Substance container

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 CHEMSPEED TECH

AI summary

A container for taking up and dispensing a substance includes a glass tubule, a glass punch that slides adjustably in the glass tubule, forming a seal, and a glass sleeve closed on one side, in which the glass tubule is accommodated. The glass sleeve is shorter than the glass tubule, so that the glass tubule projects out of the glass sleeve. The glass punch is longer than the glass tubule and projects out of the glass tubule at the end situated outside of the glass sleeve. The glass punch does not fill the glass tubule completely, so that a substance chamber remains in the region of the end of the glass tubule situated within the glass sleeve.