Halt Bar Holding Structure for Pharmaceutical Vial Batch Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport and packaging containers for medical, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic containers, such as vials and ampoules, require individual handling and separation for further processing, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination due to uncontrolled collisions during transfer, and do not allow for direct full-surface contact during freeze-drying, increasing processing costs.
Innovation Solution
A frame-shaped or box-shaped transport or packaging container with transverse bars and elastic holding arms that allow for simultaneous holding and adjustable positioning of multiple containers, enabling direct full-surface contact during processing and flexible handling, including freeze-drying, while maintaining container integrity and preventing collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If containers are separated using star feeders or conveyor belts for individual processing, then automated processing is enabled, but individual containers collide in an uncontrolled manner leading to abrasion, contamination, and impairment of external appearance
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple containers are grouped together on a single transverse web as one processing unit, allowing them to be conveyed and processed simultaneously without separation. This merging approach eliminates uncontrolled collisions between individual containers while maintaining automated processing through the holding structure's integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse web acts as a protective carrier that pre-positioned and cushions containers during conveyance. By providing a stable, controlled support structure before processing, the system prevents harmful collisions and abrasion that would occur during uncontrolled individual handling
2Ease of operation
If containers are removed from holding structure and processed individually, then processing flexibility is improved, but processing speed is limited and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple containers are processed simultaneously as a group on the transverse web, significantly increasing processing speed. The holding structure maintains flexibility by allowing the entire group to be manipulated as one unit while still enabling individual container access when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse web serving as a holding structure can accommodate multiple containers and facilitate both batch processing and individual container handling. This multi-functional design maintains processing flexibility while enabling higher throughput through simultaneous batch operations
3Ease of operation
If containers are processed after individual separation, then handling flexibility is improved, but contamination risk and processing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Containers remain grouped on the transverse web throughout processing, eliminating the need for repeated separation and reassembly operations. This reduces exposure to contamination sources while maintaining handling flexibility through the holding structure's design that allows access to individual containers when required
4Manufacturing precision
If containers are held in conventional holding structures, then regular arrangement is achieved, but direct full-surface contact during freeze-drying is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse web holding structure is designed to allow containers to be positioned in a regular arrangement during conveyance, but can be dynamically adjusted or repositioned at processing stations to enable direct full-surface contact with freeze-drying surfaces, optimizing both arrangement precision and manufacturing efficiency
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
Facilitates automated and efficient processing of multiple containers in batches, reducing contamination risks and processing costs by allowing direct full-surface contact during freeze-drying and flexible handling without the need for individual separation, enhancing processing speed and container integrity.
Implementation Method 1
pairs of elastic holding arms which are arranged on the front side of the transverse bar, with each of which a central bulge is arranged around itself to nestle against the neck of a container to be held
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The structure i.e. halt bar (300), has multiple holder arms formed or provided at a front side of the halt bar to hold containers (2) in apertures or retainers, which are formed by the holder arms, where the halt bar is separately manageable or processable with the held containers. First portions (301) of the halt bar comprise the holder arms and a second portion (302) of the halt bar is formed without the holder arms. Weakening or folding portions are formed in transition regions between the first and second portions, where the halt bar is foldable or folded. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a transporting or packaging container for storage containers for storing for medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic substances (2) a method for treating or processing storage containers.