Holding Structure With Segmented Guide Sections For Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding structures for pharmaceutical and cosmetic containers face challenges in achieving high packing density and precise positioning due to geometric deviations and draft angles, leading to increased play between containers and the structure, which complicates automated filling and packing processes.
Innovation Solution
A holding structure with separate upper and lower guide and positioning sections that are designed to limit axial and radial mobility of containers, allowing for precise positioning and reduced minimum distances between receptacles, thereby enhancing packing density and reducing material abrasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional holding structures with integrated guide sections are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but positioning precision and packing density deteriorate due to geometric deviations and draft angles
Solution Approach 1:
The holding structure is divided into separate components: receptacles for holding containers and guide sections for positioning, which are detachably connected. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - receptacles for packing density and guide sections for positioning precision, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A detachable connection mechanism serves as an intermediary between receptacles and guide sections, enabling precise positioning through the guide sections while maintaining structural integrity. This intermediary connection allows high positioning precision without requiring the entire structure to be complex.
2Quantity of substance
If larger minimum distances between receptacles are provided to accommodate draft angles, then manufacturing is easier, but packing density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating guide sections from receptacles, the design eliminates the need for large minimum distances between receptacles that would be required for integrated draft angles. This allows receptacles to be positioned closer together for higher packing density while guide sections provide the necessary manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system have different quality requirements - receptacles are optimized for compact arrangement with small minimum distances to maximize packing density, while guide sections have relaxed tolerances to facilitate easy manufacturing. The detachable connection allows these conflicting local qualities to coexist.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional support structures are added to reduce container play, then positioning precision improves, but structure weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable guide sections act as intermediaries that provide precise positioning without requiring heavy additional support structures. The guide sections are specifically designed to limit radial container movement, achieving positioning precision with minimal added weight compared to integrated support structures.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 1d
AI summary
The invention relates to a holding structure for simultaneously holding a plurality of containers for substances for pharmaceutical, medical, or cosmetic applications, comprising a plurality of receptacles for receiving the containers, at least partially. Each receptacle has an open upper end for inserting the containers into the receptacles and a lower end with a retaining section to limit the axial movement of the containers within the receptacles. Guide sections are provided to guide the containers during insertion into the receptacles. According to the invention, the guide sections are configured as upper guide and positioning sections near the upper ends of the receptacles and lower guide and positioning sections near the lower ends of the receptacles. These sections are separate from one another and limit radial movement of the containers within the receptacles.The functional separation between the upper and lower guide and positioning sections allows for significantly smaller minimum distances between adjacent receptacles during manufacturing by plastic injection molding, and thus a considerably higher packing density. At the same time, the receptacles can be manufactured with tighter tolerances. Lead-in ramps greatly facilitate the insertion of the containers into the receptacles.