Pivoting Clamp with Arcuate Edge for Vial Capping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated pharmaceutical dispensing systems face challenges with low filling speed and lack of reliable closure securing, particularly in accommodating multiple vial and cap sizes with a single mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a main stage with pivotally attached clamps, featuring an arcuate edge with specific tooth configurations, allows for secure cap placement and closure on cylindrical containers, ensuring reliable capping and accommodating various vial and cap sizes through a method that centers and secures caps using a combination of teeth and screw threads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single capping mechanism is used to accommodate multiple vial and cap sizes, then versatility is improved, but reliability of secure closure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of multiple vial and cap sizesVSAvoidsecure closure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is divided into multiple functional zones along its arcuate edge: contact sections for gentle engagement, toothed sections for secure gripping, and transition zones. This segmentation allows different portions of the same clamp to perform different functions, enabling reliable capping across multiple vial sizes without requiring separate mechanisms for each size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple vial and cap sizes through its multi-functional arcuate edge. By integrating contact sections, toothed sections, and varying radii of curvature into a single clamp structure, the system achieves versatility while maintaining reliable closure through the coordinated action of different clamp regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If automated dispensing systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but reliability of closure securing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling speedVSAvoidclosure securing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp's arcuate edge is pre-configured with contact sections that engage the cap or vial before the toothed sections engage. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and initial securing, allowing the automated system to maintain high speed while ensuring reliable closure through the subsequent engagement of the toothed gripping sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a simplified clamp design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of cap securing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp structureVSAvoidcap securing

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional elements (contact sections, toothed sections, transition zones) are merged into a single integrated clamp structure. This merging achieves reliable cap securing through the coordinated action of different zones while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate components or mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8413410B2Devices for capping vials useful in system and method for dispensing prescriptions

Publication Date: 2013.04.09 PARATA SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

An apparatus for securing a cap onto a cylindrical container includes a main stage and three clamps. Each of the clamps is pivotally attached to the main stage and rotatable about a respective axis of rotation. The axes of rotation of the clamps define an outer circle having a center. Each of the clamps comprises a generally planar body and an arcuate edge and can be used to both center a cap and grip and rotate a vial for attachment of the cap.