Stoppering Device with Detaining Mechanism for Consistent Fill Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for filling and stoppering elongate receptacles, particularly in pharmaceutical applications, face challenges in achieving consistent product fill height and controlled dosage, often requiring complex configurations and additional equipment.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a superior surface with positioning devices and pushers that accommodate elongate receptacles and charges, allowing for consistent fill height and controlled dosage by limiting the movement of pushers and receptacles, using thermoplastic elastomers and cycloolefin copolymers, and incorporating a detaining mechanism to manage the introduction of charges into receptacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional nest-based methods are used for filling and stoppering elongate receptacles, then processing can be simplified, but manufacturing precision and consistency of fill height deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the positioning function into multiple independent positioning elements that can be individually adjusted. Each receptacle position is controlled by separate positioning means, allowing precise control of each receptacle's position relative to the filling nozzle, thereby achieving consistent fill height while maintaining processing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables dynamic adjustment of positioning parameters (such as receptacle height, horizontal position, and orientation) during the filling process. By changing these parameters to match the specific geometry of different receptacle types, the system achieves high manufacturing precision across various receptacle configurations without requiring complex retooling
2Manufacturing precision
If additional equipment and complex configurations are used, then manufacturing precision can be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs universal positioning mechanisms and adjustable components that can accommodate multiple types of elongate receptacles (syringes, cartridges, ampoules) with a single configuration. The positioning means can be adjusted to handle different receptacle geometries, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fixtures and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise dosage control
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamically adjustable positioning elements that can be modified during operation to suit different receptacle types. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain high manufacturing precision for dosage control without requiring complex static configurations for each receptacle type, thereby reducing device complexity
3Ease of operation
If pusher movement is not limited, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inconsistent charge insertion depth
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates preliminary positioning features that pre-establish the correct insertion depth for charges before the actual filling operation. The positioning means are configured in advance to guide the pusher to the exact depth required, ensuring consistent charge insertion depth while allowing the operator to simply activate the pusher without complex adjustments, thus maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided that accommodates elongate receptacles and charges. The device includes a superior surface, a first positioning device, a detaining device, and either a pusher or a second positioning device. The first positioning device is adapted and arranged to accommodate a pairing of a charge and a corresponding elongate receptacle. The pusher is moveable along a direction towards the superior surface to introduce the charge into the elongate receptacle. The second positioning device accommodates the pusher with the second positioning device and the pusher being moveable along the direction towards the superior surface to introduce the charge into the elongate receptacle. The detaining device limits the extent of movement of the pusher towards the superior surface.