Syringe Nesting Comb Mechanism for Small Series Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual handling of syringes in small series production is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to breakage, especially when transitioning between matrix positioning in a Nest and online conveyance.
Innovation Solution
The Renestage system, which includes a chassis with a dorsal and frontal part, a comb block with separation teeth and interdental spaces, and a mobile comb with sliding means, allows for efficient repositioning and reordering of syringes from a transport conveyor into a Nest configuration, reducing manual effort and risk of breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling is used for syringe repositioning in small series production, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the syringe handling process into distinct functional zones: the comb block with separating teeth divides syringes into individual positions, the movable comb transports them systematically, and the nesting area receives them in organized rows. This segmentation enables efficient batch processing while maintaining adaptability to different production volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The comb block and movable comb act as intermediary mechanisms between the conveyor and the nest. These intermediaries systematically transfer syringes from linear conveyor positions to the matrix arrangement required for nesting, eliminating direct manual handling while preserving process flexibility.
2Device complexity
If manual handling is used for syringe repositioning, then equipment cost is reduced, but the risk of syringe breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service handling where the comb block and movable comb automatically guide and position syringes without manual intervention. The separating teeth and interdental spaces work together to securely hold and transport syringes, reducing handling risks while maintaining equipment simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the handling parameters from manual grasping and positioning to mechanical guidance through fixed geometric paths defined by the comb teeth and interdental spaces. This parameter change from manual dexterity to constrained mechanical motion reduces breakage risk while keeping the device structurally simple.
3Productivity
If robotic arms are used for high-speed syringe handling, then productivity increases, but the cost of automation becomes unjustified for small series production
Solution Approach 1:
The movable comb introduces dynamic capability to an otherwise simple mechanical device. By allowing the comb to move laterally between positions, the system can adapt to different production volumes and syringe configurations, achieving enhanced productivity without the fixed high cost of robotic automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The comb block and movable comb serve multiple functions: they separate syringes, transport them, position them in rows, and facilitate nesting. This multi-functionality replaces multiple specialized devices or complex robotic systems with a single versatile mechanism, improving productivity while controlling costs.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Device and method for nesting (8) syringes (2) from a transport conveyor (15) comprising a frame (9) having an inlet (13) arranged to allow the passage of syringes (2), a comb block (25) having juxtaposed separating teeth (29) and interdental spaces (30), a movable comb (31) having separating teeth (37) and interdental spaces (38), said movable comb (31) being arranged to slide transversely with respect to said feeding direction (A) in the direction of the comb block (25) and to house the syringes (2) in the matrix.