Holding Structure with Guiding Ribs for Pharmaceutical Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding structures for pharmaceutical, medical, or cosmetic containers require precise pre-positioning for insertion, leading to increased complexity and reduced packing density due to geometrical variations and material abrasion, especially with long and slim containers.

Innovation Solution

A holding structure with guiding ribs and lead-in bevels that allow for easy and precise insertion of containers, reducing the need for precise pre-positioning and minimizing geometrical deviations, while maintaining a close fit and high packing density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If precise pre-positioning is required for container insertion, then insertion reliability is improved, but device complexity and handling effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion reliabilityVSAvoidhandling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces guide portions as intermediary elements between the containers and receptacles. These guide portions include lead-in bevels that gradually guide the container into the receptacle, and guiding ribs that provide continuous alignment during insertion. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for precise pre-positioning by automatically aligning and guiding the container into the correct position during the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If large demolding bevels are provided for injection molding, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision and packing density deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedemolding easeVSAvoidgeometrical precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the demolding function from the guidance function. The demolding bevels are provided only on specific surfaces that require release from the mold, while the guide portions (guiding ribs and lead-in bevels) are designed with minimal or no demolding bevels to maintain high geometrical precision. This segmentation allows large demolding bevels where needed for manufacturing ease, while preserving precision in the critical guidance areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different surface quality characteristics to different regions of the holding structure. Critical guidance surfaces (guiding ribs and lead-in bevels) are designed with small or no demolding bevels to maintain high precision and minimal clearance. Non-critical surfaces that do not affect container positioning are given larger demolding bevels to facilitate easy mold release. This local differentiation of surface quality resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If clearance between containers and holding structure is increased, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity and packing density deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer insertion easeVSAvoidpacking density

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide portions act as intermediaries that bridge the gap between loose clearance and tight fit. The lead-in bevels provide initial alignment with sufficient clearance for easy operation, while the guiding ribs maintain a close fit during the insertion process. This intermediary guidance system allows larger clearance without sacrificing packing density, as the guide portions ensure containers remain aligned and do not require excessive lateral movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical interference fit system with a guidance-based system. Instead of relying on tight clearances and precise mechanical alignment, the guiding ribs and lead-in bevels use geometric guidance to achieve proper container positioning. This substitution allows for larger clearance while maintaining high packing density, as the guidance geometry ensures correct positioning without requiring tight tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11464705B2Holding structure for concurrently holding a plurality of containers for substances for pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, transport structure and transport or packaging container comprising the same

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 SCHOTT PHARMA SCHWEIZ AG

AI summary

A holding structure for concurrently holding a plurality of containers for substances for pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications includes a plurality of receptacles for receiving the containers therein at least in sections. The receptacles each have an open upper end for inserting the containers into the receptacles and a bottom end having a holding portion for limiting an axial movement of the containers in the receptacles. Guide portions are provided for guiding the containers as they are inserted into the receptacles. The guide portions are formed as guiding ribs extending in the longitudinal direction of the receptacles. Lead-in bevels are formed at upper ends of the guiding ribs which are inclined relative to the guiding ribs.