Segmented Holding Device for Pharmaceutical Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding devices for pharmaceutical or cosmetic containers, such as cup-nests and clip-nests, are not ideal for thorough sterilization, filling, lyophilization, and crimping processes, as they do not provide easy access to the container bottoms and are not reusable or recyclable.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with a base body and multiple holding elements arranged in a specific configuration, allowing for a positive fit with containers through displacement movement, enabling sterilization, filling, lyophilization, and crimping while allowing for easy reuse and recycling, with a design that minimizes material complexity and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cup-nests or clip-nests are used to hold containers, then containers can be held and transported, but access to container bottoms is restricted and the nests cannot be reused or recycled
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is divided into a base body and multiple separate holding elements that can be independently manipulated. Each holding element can be individually displaced to establish or release the positive fit with containers, allowing bottom access when needed while maintaining holding capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding elements are designed to be movable relative to the base body, transitioning between a holding position (establishing positive fit) and a release position (allowing bottom access). This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt its function based on process requirements, solving the contradiction between secure holding and accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If disposable nests are used, then containers can be held for processing, but material waste increases and sustainability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is designed to be reusable and recyclable rather than disposable. The base body and holding elements can be recovered after use, with holding elements being replaceable if needed, significantly reducing material waste compared to single-use nests while maintaining full functionality for container holding and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device is designed with universal applicability to hold multiple container types through the positive fit mechanism. The base body and holding elements can serve multiple processing cycles and potentially different container configurations, maximizing utilization and reducing the need for multiple specialized devices, thereby reducing overall material consumption.
3Reliability
If complex nest structures are used for holding containers, then containers can be securely held, but the device becomes difficult to recycle and production becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the holding function into distinct holding elements that attach to a simple base body, the design achieves secure container holding through the positive fit mechanism while keeping the overall structure simple. The modular segmentation allows holding elements to be manufactured separately and attached to the base body, simplifying production and enabling easy replacement or recycling of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding elements utilize material properties (such as elasticity or deformability) to establish the positive fit with containers. By changing physical parameters of the holding element materials or their configuration, secure holding is achieved without requiring complex structural designs, thereby simplifying manufacturing and recycling processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A holding device is provided that has a base body having a plurality of openings in a first surface and a plurality of holding elements each having a movable surface. The plurality of holding elements are arranged with respect to the plurality of openings, respectively, such that a container extending in a respective opening of the plurality of openings is held by a respective one of the plurality of holding elements in a positive fit. The movable surface faces the container in a direction that is perpendicular to a height of the container. The holding element establishes the positive fit by a displacement movement of the movable surface. The displacement movement has a direction of movement that inclines an angle with the height of the container in a range from 60 to 120°.