Movable Gripping Arms for 180° Rotation of Pharma Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating devices for pharmaceutical containers face interference issues during 180° rotation due to the use of a large number of gripping arms, leading to reduced production capacity, especially when handling longer containers.
Innovation Solution
A rotating device with a configuration that includes a rotation group and movable gripping groups, allowing them to move between proximal and distal positions relative to the rotation group, ensuring minimal interference during 180° rotation, and maximizing spacing between adjacent containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large number of gripping arms are provided to ensure high production capacity, then productivity is improved, but mutual interference between containers during 180° rotation increases, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping arms are made movable between a first position proximal to the rotation group and a second position distal from the rotation group. During the 180° rotation operation, gripping arms move to the second position to maximize spacing between containers and prevent interference. During transfer operations, gripping arms return to the first position for efficient container handling. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between maintaining high productivity with many gripping arms and preventing mutual interference during rotation.
2Reliability
If the number of gripping arms is reduced to prevent mutual interference, then reliability is improved, but production capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping arms dynamically change their radial position based on operational requirements. During the critical 180° rotation phase, gripping arms extend to the second position distal from the rotation group, creating maximum spacing to prevent container interference. During container transfer phases, gripping arms retract to the first position proximal to the rotation group, enabling efficient handling and maximizing production capacity. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain both high productivity and reliable operation.
3Reliability
If gripping arms are positioned distal from the rotation group during rotation, then mutual interference is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping arms incorporate a movable connection to the rotation group, allowing them to dynamically adjust their radial position between proximal and distal locations. This dynamic mechanism enables the system to prevent mutual interference during rotation by extending gripping arms to the distal position, while maintaining operational efficiency during transfer phases when gripping arms are positioned proximally. The movable connection adds controlled complexity to achieve reliable container spacing.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rotating device (100) for moving containers (12) for pharmaceutical use, comprising a rotation group (120) configured to be controlled in rotation about a vertical rotation axis (X) and a plurality of gripping groups (130; 130a, 130b) associated with said rotation group (120) and arranged about said vertical rotation axis (X). Each gripping group (130; 130a, 130b) is configured to support at least one of said containers (12) and is rotatable about a respective horizontal rotation axis (Y). At least some first gripping groups (130a) are movable between a first operating position in which each first gripping group (130a) is in a position proximal to said rotation group (120) and a second operating position in which said first gripping group (130a) is in a distal position from said rotation group (120).