Pharmaceutical Container Handling Segmentation Sterilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The handling of primary containers for pharmaceutical use often results in contamination and structural damage due to friction and shocks during handling and transportation, particularly when they are aggregated in secondary containers, which can compromise sterility and structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for handling primary containers that involves arranging them in separate positions within secondary containers, sterilizing them within the container, and using a conveyor system to transport them along an automatic treatment line without mutual contact, ensuring controlled environment handling and protection from contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If primary containers are aggregated in secondary containers for transport and storage, then handling efficiency and productivity are improved, but contaminating particles are generated due to friction and shocks between containers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling efficiencyVSAvoidcontaminating particles

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary container is divided into multiple compartments or positioning seats that separate individual primary containers. Each container is held in its own designated space, preventing contact with other containers while maintaining bulk transport capability. This segmentation eliminates friction and shock between containers, stopping contaminating particle generation while preserving handling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Positioning seats or support structures act as intermediary elements between primary containers. These intermediaries bear the containers at designated points, distributing weight and preventing direct contact between containers. The intermediary structure absorbs mechanical stresses, preventing shocks and friction that would otherwise generate contaminating particles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If primary containers are moved in bulk into secondary containers, then transportation efficiency is improved, but structural damage occurs due to friction and shocks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransportation efficiencyVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary container incorporates multiple positioning seats that segment the transport space. Each primary container is placed in its own seat, which provides localized support and protection. This segmentation prevents containers from contacting each other during transport, eliminating friction and shock-induced structural damage while maintaining bulk transportation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning seats are designed to provide cushioning support before containers are subjected to transport stresses. The seats absorb and distribute mechanical forces, preventing shocks from reaching the primary containers. This beforehand cushioning protects structural integrity while enabling efficient bulk transportation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Volume of moving object

If primary containers are placed in strict mutual contact in secondary containers, then space utilization is improved, but contamination risk increases due to friction and shocks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary container is segmented into multiple positioning seats arranged to maximize space utilization. Each seat holds one primary container in isolation, preventing mutual contact between containers. This segmentation maintains high space efficiency while eliminating the friction and shocks that cause contamination, as containers remain separated throughout transport and handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This approach prevents contamination and structural damage, maintaining sterility and integrity by transporting primary containers individually or in groups without contact, enhancing the efficiency and productivity of the handling process in a controlled environment.

Implementation Method 1

sterilising the primary containers with a permeable sterilising agent in the secondary container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentUS10954008B2Method for handling primary containers for pharmaceutical use transported along an automatic treatment line operating in a controlled environment

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 NUOVA OMPI SRL

AI summary

The method for handling primary containers (2) for pharmaceutical use transported along an automatic treatment line (1) operating in a controlled environment from a contamination point of view comprises the following steps: introducing into the line a secondary container (6) equipped with rows of positioning seats (18) housing the primary containers (2) separately from one another; extracting in succession the primary containers (2) maintaining the primary containers (2) separate and transferring the extracted primary containers (2) to the treatment station (10) in succession one at a time.