Main-Sub Module Positioning Interface for Small-Batch Pharma Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handling small batches of pharmaceutical products manually is costly and error-prone, and automating existing devices is not economically viable due to high adaptation costs and long delivery times.

Innovation Solution

A modular system comprising a main module and sub-modules connected via an interface that allows flexible assembly and operation, enabling automated handling of pharmaceutical products with precise control and minimal manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual handling is used for small batches of pharmaceutical products, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but costs increase considerably and errors occur more frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling flexibilityVSAvoidhandling cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The handling system is divided into a main module and interchangeable sub-modules, each designed for specific handling tasks. This segmentation allows the system to be configured for different batch sizes and product types while maintaining automated operation, thereby reducing costs compared to fully manual handling while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main module is designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of sub-modules. This multi-functionality enables a single automated system to handle various pharmaceutical products and packaging formats, providing the adaptability of manual systems at lower operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If automated handling devices are adapted to individual requirements, then handling accuracy and reliability improve, but adaptation costs and delivery times increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling accuracyVSAvoidadaptation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of customizing entire automated systems, only the relevant sub-modules need to be selected or adapted. This segmentation reduces adaptation costs by allowing customers to pay only for the specific functional modules they need while maintaining high handling accuracy through automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for parameter changes through interchangeable sub-modules with standardized interfaces. This enables adaptation to different handling requirements without redesigning the entire system, reducing both adaptation costs and delivery times while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If customized automated handling systems are manufactured, then handling precision and safety improve, but delivery times become excessively long for small batch production

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling precisionVSAvoiddelivery time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is pre-manufactured as a modular platform with standardized interfaces. This allows rapid assembly and deployment for small batches by simply connecting the appropriate sub-modules, eliminating the need for time-consuming custom manufacturing while maintaining high handling precision through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main module and sub-modules are designed and pre-manufactured with standardized connection interfaces in advance. This preliminary preparation enables quick system configuration and deployment when small batch handling is needed, significantly reducing delivery times compared to custom-built automated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If a modular interface system is implemented, then system flexibility and ease of reconfiguration improve, but interface complexity and connection requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A universal interface design allows the same connection standard to be used across all main module and sub-module connections. This multi-functional interface handles mechanical coupling, electrical connections, and data exchange simultaneously, providing system flexibility without proportionally increasing interface complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250368442A1Main module, sub-module, handling system and method for handling pharmaceutical products

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 KOERBER PHARMA PACKAGING AG

AI summary

A main module, sub-module and a handling system are provided. The main module has an interface of a main module for connecting a sub-module to the main module, wherein the sub-module and the main module in a connection position are configured to handle pharmaceutical products, including: at least one transfer contact for providing communication between the main module and the sub-module when the sub-module and the main module are in the connection position, at least one first positioning element configured to cooperate with a second positioning element of the sub-module to guide the sub-module and the main module into the connection position. Furthermore, an interface of a sub-module is provided for connecting the sub-module to a main module. Furthermore, a method for handling pharmaceutical products is provided.