Pharmaceutical Container Inspection Handling Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for inspecting pharmaceutical containers, such as syringes and vials, fail to provide a fast and nondestructive inspection method, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage during the inspection process.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a handling device and friction wheel system that allows for the rotational support of containers at an optimal angle (between 50° to 90°, preferably 65° to 75°) to facilitate smooth rotation and maximize the detectable surface area, combined with a two-movement system for transferring containers to prevent vibration and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the container is held on support wheels at a small angle (less than 45°), then the container is stable on the support wheels, but the container vibrates too much for inspection and the detectable surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the angle between the support wheel axis and container longitudinal axis to a specific range (45° to less than 120°, preferably 65° to 75°). This angular parameter optimization simultaneously reduces container vibration and maximizes the detectable surface area, resolving the contradiction between stability and vibration.
2Area of stationary object
If the container is held on support wheels at a large angle (more than 120°), then the detectable surface area is maximized, but the container rotation becomes too slow for fast inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the support wheel angle parameter to balance surface area and rotation speed. By setting the angle within 45° to less than 120° (preferably 65° to 75°), the system achieves both sufficient detectable surface area and adequate rotation speed for high-speed inspection (over 60 containers per minute).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements including a friction wheel for controlled rotation and a movable handling device that can adjust the container's position and orientation. These dynamic components enable fast rotation and inspection while maintaining stability, resolving the contradiction between surface area and inspection speed.
3Reliability
If the container is held on support wheels at an angle of 45° or larger, then the risk of container dropping is reduced, but the container surface blocked by support wheels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the support wheel angle to a specific range (45° to less than 120°, preferably 65° to 75°) that balances two competing requirements: maintaining sufficient support to prevent dropping while minimizing the blocked surface area. This parameter optimization ensures both reliability and maximum inspectable surface.
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
Enables high-speed inspection of pharmaceutical containers with minimal vibration and risk of damage, allowing for the detection of defects in a short time with a clock frequency of over 60 containers per minute, ensuring high-quality inspection and preventing scratches or defects during the process.
Implementation Method 1
the container is rotatable around its longitudinal axis by rotating the first and second support wheels and/or by rotating the friction wheel
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for inspecting a pharmaceutical cylindrical container made of glass or polymer includes a handling device that has a first holder that holds a lateral surface of the pharmaceutical cylindrical container and includes a first support wheel and a second support wheel. The handling device moves such that the pharmaceutical cylindrical container is transferred from a first transfer position to the inspection area and from the inspection area to a second transfer position. The handling device and/or a friction wheel rotate the pharmaceutical cylindrical container around a container longitudinal axis. A first plane is defined through the first rotational axis of the first support wheel and the container longitudinal axis, while a second plane is defined through the second rotational axis of the second support wheel and the container longitudinal axis. The first and second planes intersect at an angle in a range of 45° to less than 120°.