Holding Structure for Containers with Flat Base and Parallel Webs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding structures for pharmaceutical, medical, or cosmetic containers, particularly those made of thermoplastic polymers, face challenges in achieving high packing density, precise positioning, and efficient filling and closing processes, especially when handling containers with high dead weight like glass syringes or cartridges.
Innovation Solution
The proposed holding structure features a flat base frame with central recesses and parallel webs forming the side walls of receptacles, designed to accommodate a high number of containers with minimal space usage. This structure includes stabilizing elements and positioning ribs to ensure precise alignment and reduced deflection under load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If holding structures are made of thermoplastic polymers to reduce weight and cost, then manufacturing cost and weight are reduced, but positioning precision and structural stability deteriorate under thermal stress during sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the geometric dimensions of the recesses and containers to specific ratios. The depth-to-diameter ratio of recesses is controlled between 0.5-1.5, and the distance between recess centers to container diameter ratio is maintained between 1.0-2.0. These parameter optimizations ensure that even with thermal expansion during sterilization, the containers remain securely positioned without requiring complex additional structures.
2Device complexity
If holding structures use simple peripherally formed side walls to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision and container stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by designing recesses with non-circular cross-sections that match the asymmetric shape of containers. The recesses feature flat bottoms and angled side walls rather than simple cylindrical shapes. This asymmetric design provides superior positioning precision for the containers while maintaining simple peripherally formed side walls, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and positioning accuracy.
3Productivity
If holding structures accommodate high number of containers to increase packing density, then productivity is improved, but structural stability and positioning accuracy worsen due to increased load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the holding structure into multiple independent recesses, each capable of supporting a container. The flat bottom surfaces of these segmented recesses distribute the load from multiple containers evenly across the holding structure. This segmentation allows high packing density while maintaining structural stability, as each recess independently supports its container without compromising the overall structure under load.
4Weight of moving object
If holding structures use minimal material to reduce weight and cost, then weight and manufacturing cost are reduced, but deflection under load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes curvature by designing recesses with rounded corners and curved transition zones between the flat bottom and the peripherally formed side walls. These curved features distribute stress more evenly throughout the structure, reducing deflection under load. The curved geometry allows minimal material usage while maintaining strength, as the curved paths efficiently transmit forces from the containers to the holding structure base.
Data Source
AI summary
A holding structure for simultaneously holding containers for pharmaceutical, medical, or cosmetic compositions includes: at least ten receptacles for receiving the containers and being formed by side walls; a flat base frame including a central recess; first webs running parallel to each other in a first direction across the central recess; second webs running parallel to each other in a second direction across the central recess, the first webs and the second webs being arranged such that the first webs and the second webs form the side walls, each of the first webs and the second webs being formed as a continuous beam having a maximum waviness wmax of 4.0 mm, the holding structure including a warpage of less than 2.0 mm as determined by a test method before steam sterilization, the warpage corresponding to a bending after the holding structure has been prepared and is empty.