Modular Washing Tower for Pharmaceutical Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pharmaceutical container washing and drying production lines are complex, costly, and inflexible, requiring specific stations that limit adaptability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A modular unit for washing and drying containers that includes a rotatable washing tower with integrated washing and drying stations, high-pressure washing nozzles, recirculating and filtering water, and adjustable drying nozzles, allowing for flexible integration with existing production lines and customizable processing times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specific washing stations are implemented in production lines, then washing functionality is provided, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing functionalityVSAvoidproduction line complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The washing function is segmented from the main production line into a separate, modular washing device. This washing device can be independently implemented and then integrated with the production line through simple load/unload station interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining washing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The washing device is designed as a universal module that can be integrated with different production lines through standardized interfaces. The same washing device can serve multiple production lines or be relocated to different positions, reducing the need for dedicated washing stations for each line.

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

2Reliability

If specific washing stations are implemented in production lines, then washing functionality is provided, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing functionalityVSAvoidproduction line flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the washing function into an independent modular device, the production line can be configured flexibly without being constrained by fixed washing station locations. The washing device can be added, removed, or repositioned independently of the main production line configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The washing device incorporates adjustable parameters including variable washing cycle durations, adjustable water pressure, and configurable drying times. These dynamic adjustments allow the washing process to adapt to different container types and production requirements without modifying the production line itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If fixed production lines with specific washing stations are used, then production process is stable, but efficiency and responsiveness to changes decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction process stabilityVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular washing device can be independently optimized and maintained without disrupting the main production line, ensuring stable production while allowing efficient washing operations. The separate module can be quickly adjusted or serviced with minimal impact on overall production throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The washing device allows rapid adjustment of processing parameters (washing time, water pressure, drying duration) to optimize performance for different container types. This flexibility enables the system to respond efficiently to production changes while maintaining stable and reliable washing quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The modular unit provides a versatile, efficient, and adaptable solution for washing and drying pharmaceutical containers, ensuring high cleanliness and flexibility in integration with various production lines, with adjustable processing times and efficient water recirculation and filtration.

Implementation Method 1

a rotatable washing tower (24) configured to move a plurality of containers (8) through said washing stations (32), drying stations (36) and unloading stations (40)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Implementation Method 2

at least one washing station (32) comprising a plurality of washing nozzles (44) configured to direct a jet of water from the bottom to the top inside the containers (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHigh-pressure fluid jet: Jet

Implementation Method 3

recirculating and filtering water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 4

adjustable drying nozzles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow drying: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12128208B2Modular unit for washing and drying containers for pharmaceutical use and production line of containers for pharmaceutical use description
Publication Date: 2024.10.29 STEVANATO GRP SPA
  • US12128208B2 patent drawing
  • US12128208B2 patent drawing
  • US12128208B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A modular unit for washing and drying containers for pharmaceutical use includes a load transfer unit configured to take a plurality of containers for pharmaceutical use from an associated input transfer unit, a washing tower, a group of grippers configured to take said containers for pharmaceutical use from the load transfer unit and loading them onto said washing tower, at least one washing station, at least one drying station and at least one unloading station for said containers for pharmaceutical use. The washing tower is configured to move the containers for pharmaceutical use through said washing stations, drying stations and unloading stations. The drying station includes at least one lower drying nozzle configured to direct a flow of air from the bottom to the top inside the containers and at least one upper drying nozzle configured to blow air from above.