Holding Device for Primary Packaging Containers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for holding primary packaging containers for pharmaceutical, medical, or cosmetic compositions during transport and storage often compromise patient safety due to issues with Container Closure Integrity (CCI) and particle load, as well as being unsuitable for automated processing.

Innovation Solution

A holding device with a secondary packaging container featuring specific arrangements of holding elements that non-destructively and detachably hold primary packaging containers, restricting movement and maintaining their equilibrium orientation, thereby ensuring CCI and reducing particle load during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional holding structures are used to transport primary packaging containers, then the containers can be held and transported, but the Container Closure Integrity is compromised and particle load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveContainer Closure IntegrityVSAvoidparticle load
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The holding structure is divided into multiple plate-like elements with separate functions: first plate-like elements hold containers at a first longitudinal position, while second plate-like elements hold containers at a second longitudinal position. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function, preventing both CCI compromise and particle generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the holding device are designed with different properties: the first plate-like elements have holding elements configured to maintain CCI at the first longitudinal position, while the second plate-like elements have holding elements configured to prevent particle load at the second longitudinal position. Each local region is optimized for its specific protective function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If holding elements contact primary packaging containers at multiple positions, then movement is restricted and CCI is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveContainer Closure IntegrityVSAvoidholding device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second plate-like elements are combined into a single integrated holding device structure, allowing both functions (maintaining CCI and preventing particle load) to be achieved simultaneously without requiring separate devices. The holding elements on different plates work together as a unified system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device serves multiple functions through its dual-plate design: it holds containers during transport, maintains CCI at the first longitudinal position, prevents particle load at the second longitudinal position, and enables automated processing. One device structure accomplishes what would otherwise require multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If holding elements are arranged to prevent container movement, then CCI is maintained, but automated processing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveContainer Closure IntegrityVSAvoidautomated processing suitability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding elements are designed to provide dynamic restraint: they maintain containers in equilibrium positions that prevent movement and protect CCI during transport, but allow containers to be easily removed when needed for automated processing. The holding force is sufficient for protection but does not create permanent obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device automatically maintains container positions and protects CCI without requiring external intervention during transport. The structure self-regulates to keep containers secure while remaining compatible with automated handling systems that can detect and remove containers as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3974337B1Holding device which restricts movement of primary packaging containers at first and further longitudinal positions
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 SCHOTT PHARMA SCHWEIZ AG
  • EP3974337B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3974337B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3974337B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention pertains to a holding device comprising a secondary packaging container (102); wherein a. holding elements of a first kind (401), and b. holding elements of a further kind (402) are arranged in the secondary packaging container (102); wherein each holding element of the first kind (401) is designed and arranged to detachably hold a primary packaging container (101) by contacting at a first longitudinal position (403); wherein a holding element of the further kind (402) is designed and arranged to restrict a movement of the primary packaging container (101) in a lateral direction (409) at a further longitudinal position (404); wherein a distance (405) between the first (403) and the further longitudinal positions (404) of the primary packaging container (101) with length (406) L is D; wherein 0.5 . L < D < L. Further, the invention refers to an arrangement (400) comprising the holding device, and to a use of the arrangement (400).