Stationary Load Cell Weighing for Pharmaceutical Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for weighing pharmaceutical containers, such as vials and syringes, are limited by high processing times and reduced precision due to the need for vertical displacement of weight sensors, which increases costs and requires longer stabilization times to suppress vibrations.

Innovation Solution

A method and weighing unit where the nest with containers is moved towards a stationary load cell, allowing containers to be weighed without extraction, maintaining precision and reducing processing time by keeping the load cell stationary and using a manipulator to bring the nest into contact with the load cell.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the weight sensor is vertically driven against the vial to weigh it, then the weighing can be performed, but the precision of the weight measurement is lost and vibrations are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweighing speedVSAvoidweight measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the weight sensor against the vial, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the weight sensor stationary and moving the vial (via nest displacement) to the weighing position. This eliminates vibrations caused by sensor movement while maintaining weighing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a nest as an intermediary carrier that holds multiple vials. The nest is displaced to bring vials to the stationary weight sensor, avoiding direct movement of the sensor itself and thereby preventing vibrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the weight sensor is moved vertically against the vial, then weighing is possible, but longer stabilization time is required to suppress vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweighing throughputVSAvoidstabilization time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by keeping the weight sensor stationary and moving the vial to the sensor. This eliminates vibration-induced stabilization delays while maintaining high weighing throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Measurement precision

If precise and small movement systems are provided for the weight sensor, then weighing precision is maintained, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight measurement precisionVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts which component moves: instead of moving the expensive weight sensor with high precision, the simpler nest is displaced. This dramatically reduces production costs while maintaining weighing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a nest that can be repeatedly positioned and reused for multiple vials, replacing the need for expensive, precise movement mechanisms on the weight sensor itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

This approach significantly reduces processing time while maintaining precision, eliminating the need for costly and precise movement mechanisms, and allows for simultaneous weighing of multiple containers without compromising accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

the robot proceeds and extracts from the nest one container at a time in order to weight each one of them on a specific scale, usually using load cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3491348B1Method for weighing containers and relative weighing unit.

Publication Date: 2021.11.10 IMA IND MASCH AUTOMATICHE SPA

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for weighing containers arranged inside a holding structure including the steps of: - providing a holding structure (7) suitable to house in a substantially stable position at least one container (A) possibly containing a substance to be weighted, said at least one container including a supporting portion (C) shaped so as to keep the container suspended on the holding structure; - bringing said at least one container (A) to a weighing station including a weighing member (4) suitable to weight said at least one container (A); - weighing said at least an empty container or containing a substance by means of said weighing member (4); wherein the weighing step is carried out by moving the holding structure (7) so as to put said at least one container (A) housed inside the holding structure (7) in contact with the weighing member (4) kept in a stationary position, until the detachment of the supporting portion (C) of said at least one container (A) from the holding structure (7) is obtained.