Nested Pharmaceutical Container Weighing via Segmented Receptacle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for weighing pharmaceutical containers nested in a carrier require the containers to be removed from their protective nest for weighing, which can lead to handling errors, increased equipment requirements, and risk of packaging damage.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that allow pharmaceutical containers to be weighed while still nested in their carrier, using a receptacle connected to a weighing station with multiple weighing cells, eliminating the need for manual handling and reducing the risk of packaging damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If containers are removed from the carrier for weighing, then individual weight detection is possible, but handling complexity and risk of damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing system is segmented into multiple independent weighing cells (at least two weighing cells) that can individually measure the weight of containers within the carrier. This allows individual weight detection while the containers remain in their protective carrier, eliminating the need for complex removal and handling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a receptacle as an intermediary component that holds the carrier containing the containers. The receptacle is connected to the weighing cells, allowing weight measurement without direct contact with or removal of the containers from their protective packaging. This intermediary structure simplifies the weighing process while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If containers are removed from the carrier for weighing, then weight measurement can be performed, but risk of packaging damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing measurement is performed before the containers are removed from their protective carrier. By conducting the weight measurement while containers are still securely nested in the carrier, the system eliminates the subsequent handling steps that would expose the containers to damage risk during removal and transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier acts as a protective intermediary that keeps containers secure during the weighing process. The receptacle and weighing system are designed to measure the weight of containers within this protective structure, eliminating direct exposure and handling that would otherwise create damage risks.
3Measurement precision
If multiple independent weighing cells are used for simultaneous weighing, then weighing accuracy improves, but equipment complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing system employs a nested configuration where multiple weighing cells are arranged to measure containers within the carrier structure. The carrier itself serves as a nesting structure that holds multiple containers, and the weighing cells are positioned to measure weights within this nested arrangement, optimizing space utilization while maintaining multiple measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The weighing system is designed with multi-functionality where the same weighing infrastructure (receptacle connected to weighing cells) can measure multiple containers simultaneously or sequentially. This universal setup eliminates the need for separate dedicated weighing stations for each container, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining the capability for accurate individual weight detection.
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 solution enables simple, reliable, and accurate weighing of pharmaceutical containers without increasing equipment requirements, reduces manual intervention, minimizes packaging damage, and simplifies the design of filling machines with in-process weight control.
Implementation Method 1
a receptacle for the carrier is connected to a weighing station, in particular having at least one weighing cell, for weight detection
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for weighing pharmaceutical containers (19) nested in a carrier (18), wherein the apparatus comprises at least one weighing device (22) and at least one receptacle (20) for the carrier (18) of the containers (19), wherein the receptacle (20) is connected to the weighing station (22) for weight detection.