Resilient Holding Tabs for Vials in Automated Pharmaceutical Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding structures for medical or pharmaceutical containers are inflexible and cannot accommodate containers with varying tolerances or dimensions, leading to issues like contamination, uneven processing, and the need for manual isolation for further processing, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A holding structure with resilient pivoting tabs that provide radial and axial clearance to securely hold containers of different sizes, allowing for automated processing and easy insertion/removal, even in freeze-drying environments, while preventing unwanted contact and tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If holding structures use fixed rigid positions for containers, then processing speed and automation are improved, but containers with varying tolerances or dimensions cannot be accommodated, leading to contamination and processing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The holding structure employs resilient tabs that can dynamically adjust their position to accommodate containers with varying dimensions. The tabs are designed to be deflectable, allowing them to move inward when a container is inserted and return to their original position, thereby providing both adaptability to different container sizes and maintaining secure holding for automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding structure changes the physical state of the tabs from rigid to resilient, allowing them to deform elastically. This parameter change enables the tabs to adapt to containers with varying tolerances while still providing stable positioning for high-speed automated processing, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
2Reliability
If holding structures are designed to securely hold containers, then processing reliability is improved, but insertion and removal of containers becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient tabs provide a dynamic holding mechanism that is strong during processing but easily deflected during insertion and removal. The tabs automatically engage with the container to provide secure holding, yet can be easily pushed aside to allow container insertion, thereby improving ease of operation without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient tabs act as a cushioning element that absorbs the impact during container insertion and provides a gradual engagement force. This beforehand cushioning allows containers to be easily inserted while ensuring they are securely held during processing, resolving the contradiction between secure holding and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If holding structures use resilient tabs that deflect during container insertion, then adaptability to varying container dimensions is improved, but the tabs may contact and damage constricted neck portions of containers
Solution Approach 1:
The holding structure applies different qualities to different parts of the tab: the tip portion is designed to contact the container body at a safe location away from the constricted neck, while the base portion provides the resilient deflection. This local quality differentiation ensures adaptability to varying container dimensions without causing damage to sensitive neck portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding tab acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the rigid holding structure and the container. By designing the tab to contact the container body rather than the neck portion, it provides a safe interaction interface that accommodates dimensional variations without causing damage to the container's sensitive neck area.
4Productivity
If holding structures allow automated processing of containers while held, then processing efficiency is improved, but conventional methods require isolation of containers first which is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The holding structure merges the functions of container holding, protection, and automated processing into a single integrated system. Containers remain held in the structure throughout the entire processing sequence, eliminating the need for separate isolation steps. This merging of functions enables direct automated processing while containers are held, dramatically improving processing efficiency and eliminating time losses associated with isolation.
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 reliable, efficient, and cost-effective concurrent processing of multiple containers with varying dimensions, reducing contamination risks and processing time, and allowing for automated handling within sterile tunnels or freeze-dryers.
Implementation Method 1
holding tabs (140) which are formed resiliently and which are deflectable in radial direction into the associated aperture (135)
Data Source
AI summary
A holding structure for concurrently holding a plurality of containers for substances for cosmetic, medical or pharmaceutical applications, in particular of vials, is provided. The holder includes a carrier having a plurality of apertures or receptacles into which the containers can be inserted, and holding tabs for holding the containers in the apertures or receptacles. The holding tabs are at least two holding tabs, which are provided at the edge of a respective aperture or receptacle and protrude from an upper side of the carrier for holding the respective container. The holding tabs are resiliently pivoted or folded back as the containers are inserted into the apertures or receptacles. The holding tabs are matched to the containers such that the containers are held by the holding tabs with a radial clearance and low tension.