Magnetic-Grip Closure Cap for Vapor-Free Filling-Line Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for handling medical device components in industrial filling lines, such as mechanical gripping or suction, risk releasing chemical vapors and causing damage, necessitating a safer and more reliable handling solution.
Innovation Solution
A closure cap for medical devices featuring a magnetic material, such as neodymium-iron-boron magnets or ferromagnetic alloys, integrated into a plastic locking cuff, allowing secure hermetic closure and magnetic manipulation, reducing vapor release and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If suction systems are used to handle caps, then the handling is less likely to scratch or damage the parts, but chemical or toxic vapors are sucked in and released in an uncontrolled manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the suction-based handling system with a magnetic handling system. The cap incorporates a magnetic element that interacts with a magnetic field from a handling tool, enabling vapor-free manipulation through magnetic attraction rather than suction. This substitution eliminates the harmful vapor intake issue while maintaining gentle handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic element embedded in the cap acts as an intermediary that enables interaction between the handling tool and the cap without requiring direct contact or suction. The magnetic field serves as the intermediary force that transfers the cap safely without exposing the system to chemical vapors.
2Force
If mechanical gripping is used to handle caps, then the handling is more robust, but the parts are more likely to be scratched or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical gripping with magnetic attraction for handling the cap. The magnetic force provides robust handling capability without the need for mechanical contact that could scratch or damage the cap surface, combining the advantages of both suction and mechanical gripping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of interaction from mechanical contact force to magnetic field force. This parameter change allows for adjustable handling force through magnetic field strength control, providing robust handling while eliminating surface damage risks associated with mechanical gripping.
3Extent of automation
If a magnetic material is integrated into the cap, then magnetic grip handling is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic element is nested within the cap structure, embedded in the elastomeric stopper or plastic locking cuff. This nesting approach integrates the magnetic functionality into the existing cap design without adding external components, minimizing the increase in device complexity while enabling automated magnetic handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the magnetic handling functionality with the cap's existing structural components. The magnetic material is combined with either the stopper or locking cuff, creating a unified component that performs both its original function and enables magnetic grip handling, rather than adding a separate magnetic assembly.
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
Enables safe, reliable, and efficient handling of medical device components by preventing vapor release and minimizing damage, while ensuring secure closure and manipulation in industrial settings.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic material secured to or fully or partially integrated into the stopper or the locking cuff
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a closure cap (2) for a flask-type medical device, comprising: —an elastomeric stopper intended to be inserted into the neck of the flask after it has been filled with a pharmaceutical or chemical product; —a plastic locking cuff surrounding the stopper and intended to be locked under a collar of the flask when the stopper is inserted into the neck; and —a magnetic material (24) secured to or fully or partially integrated into the stopper or the locking cuff.