Pharma Nest Removal with Stationary Tub Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of nests and tubs in the manufacturing process of pharmaceutical products is slow and complex due to the fragility of the products and the complexity of the tub and nest design, often requiring manual or slow automation.
Innovation Solution
A nest removal device with a feed section, removal section, and discharge section, including a stopper to position tubs, a removal device to remove nests from stationary tubs, and a nest transport device to handle multiple nests simultaneously, allowing for timed and efficient nest removal and placement into storage positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual or slow automation is used to handle nests and tubs, then the fragility of pharmaceutical products is protected, but the handling speed and throughput are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handling system is divided into distinct functional sections: feed section for tub input, removal section with stopper for precise positioning, removal device for nest extraction, and discharge section for output. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently - the stopper ensures precise positioning for gentle handling while the automated removal device enables high-speed operation
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper acts as an intermediary element that positions the tub in the removal section without requiring the tub to be manually manipulated. This intermediary positioning mechanism enables the automated removal device to quickly extract nests while maintaining precise control over the tub's position, thus increasing throughput without compromising product integrity
2Productivity
If automated removal devices are used to increase throughput, then handling speed is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removal device is designed as a multi-functional unit that combines the positioning function (via the stopper in the removal section) with the nest extraction function. This universal design allows a single automated device to perform both positioning and removal operations, increasing throughput while avoiding the need for separate complex positioning and removal mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The feed section automatically feeds tubs to the removal section, and the discharge section automatically removes tubs after nest extraction. This self-service automation reduces the need for manual intervention and simplifies the overall system control while maintaining high throughput, as the sections work autonomously in sequence
3Speed
If nests are removed from moving tubs, then continuous flow is maintained, but the removal precision and speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper in the removal section performs a preliminary action by positioning the tub in a fixed removal position before the nest extraction occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the automated removal device operates, the tub is stationary and precisely positioned, enabling both high speed and high precision nest removal without requiring the tub to be moving
Data Source
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AI summary
A nest removal device (1) is provided for removing a nest (2) from a tub (3). The nest removal device (1) comprises a feed section (10) configured to convey at least one tub (3) containing a nest (2) in a conveying direction (R1), a removal section (20) configured to position the at least one tub (3) in a removal position, a removal device (30) configured to remove the nest (2) from the tub (3) in the removal position, and a discharge section (40) configured to transport the tub (3) away. The removal section (20) includes at least one first stopper (21) to position the tub (3) in the removal position. Furthermore, a handling system (100) for handling a tub (3) and a nest (2) and a method for handling a nest (2) and a tub (3) are provided.