Planetary Mixer Adapter for Clean Pharmaceutical Compounding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pharmaceutical compounding methods face challenges such as manual mixing leading to cross-contamination, inconsistent API concentrations, high shearing forces causing thermal degradation, air entrapment, and the need for device-specific containers, which affect the quality and efficiency of pharmaceutical compositions.
Innovation Solution
A compounding method using superimposed revolution and rotation movements in a container to disperse API in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or diluent, achieving ≤6% relative standard deviation (RSD) in API concentration across layers and maintaining specific gravity within 20% of the excipient's, while avoiding thermal degradation and air entrapment, using a device like a planetary mixer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual mixing is used to prepare pharmaceutical compositions, then flexibility in customization is improved, but mixing consistency and API concentration uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical mixing with an automated planetary mixing system that uses programmed blade movements to achieve consistent mixing results. This substitution maintains the ability to customize formulations while ensuring precise and uniform API concentration distribution through automated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mixing parameters by implementing specific blade movement patterns, speeds, and durations that optimize mixing efficiency. These controlled parameter changes ensure consistent API distribution while maintaining formulation flexibility, resolving the contradiction between customization and mixing precision.
2Productivity
If blade mixing is used to mix pharmaceutical compositions, then mixing efficiency is improved, but thermal degradation of API deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic mixing action where the blade alternates between rotating and lifting movements. This periodic motion enhances mixing efficiency by continuously redistributing materials while allowing brief intervals that reduce cumulative heat generation, thereby protecting thermally sensitive APIs from degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic blade movement with variable speeds and intermittent lifting actions rather than continuous rotation. This dynamic approach optimizes mixing efficiency at different stages while controlling heat buildup, preventing thermal degradation of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical ingredients.
3Productivity
If traditional mixing devices are used, then mixing capability is improved, but air entrapment in composition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary deaeration steps before and during the mixing process. The mixing vessel is evacuated to remove air, and the mixing sequence is designed to minimize air incorporation, preventing bubble formation while maintaining effective mixing capability throughout the formulation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert or vacuum environment within the mixing vessel to prevent air entrapment during mixing. By conducting the mixing process in this controlled atmosphere, the system achieves thorough mixing without incorporating air bubbles that would compromise composition quality.
4Manufacturing precision
If device-specific containers are used for mixing, then mixing control is improved, but device adaptability and cleaning efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mixing system with universal features that allow a single device to accommodate multiple container types and formulations. The standardized mixing protocol and adaptable vessel design enable the same equipment to maintain precise mixing control across different applications while improving ease of cleaning and reducing the need for specialized devices.
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 method ensures consistent API concentrations, reduces thermal degradation, and eliminates air bubbles, enhancing the quality and efficiency of pharmaceutical compositions, allowing for personalized dosages tailored to individual patient needs.
Implementation Method 1
A planetary mixer may be used to disperse the API in the excipient. The planetary mixer may impart a revolution movement to a container and a rotation movement to the container in an opposite direction to the revolution movement such that the API and excipient are subjected to a pattern of motion throughout space
Implementation Method 2
The lid may be placed onto the mouth of the jar, and the superimposed revolution and rotation movements may be performed for a predetermined period of time, which may melt the particles and disperse the API in the excipient
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing container and adapter system for use with a planetary mixer is disclosed. The dispensing container has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The dispensing container may include a nozzle and a removable cap to cover the nozzle. The removable cap may have a first width dimension measured along the transverse axis. The dispensing container may include a body having a second width dimension measured along the transverse axis. An adapter may receive the dispensing container. The adapter may include a cavity to receive the removable cap. The cavity may have a cavity width that exceeds the first width dimension. The adapter may also include a recess for receiving a portion of the dispensing container. The recess may extend from the cavity. At least a portion of the recess may have a width dimension smaller than both the first width dimension and the second width dimension.