Universal Nest for Pre-Crimped Cartridge Height Adaptation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current tub and nest assemblies for pre-crimped cartridges require frequent changes and separate validation studies, leading to increased costs and production losses due to height differences between filling nozzles and cartridges, and existing solutions for closing cartridges are complex and difficult to integrate with existing machinery.

Innovation Solution

A supporting structure with a planar plate and tubular receptacles for holding closures, allowing for direct integration with existing filling and stoppering machines, enabling simultaneous alignment and processing of multiple cartridges without altering machine settings, and a transport container for sterile storage and transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing tub and nest assemblies are used for pre-crimped cartridges, then cartridge storage and transport is enabled, but complete setting change and filling carrier replacement are required for different cartridge heights

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different cartridge heightsVSAvoidcomplexity of setting change and carrier replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nest structure incorporates adjustable elements that allow dynamic adaptation to different cartridge heights without requiring complete replacement of the filling carrier. The nest can be reconfigured vertically to accommodate varying cartridge dimensions while maintaining the same base structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The nest assembly is designed with universal features that enable it to handle multiple cartridge types and heights using the same basic structure. The filling carrier is designed to work with various nest configurations, reducing the need for complete replacement and simplifying changeover procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If filling carrier replacement is performed to maintain accurate height difference, then filling precision is improved, but production time is lost and validation studies are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of height difference between filling nozzles and cartridgeVSAvoidtime for carrier replacement and validation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The nest is pre-configured with height adjustment mechanisms and positioning features that enable quick adaptation to different cartridge heights without requiring complete carrier replacement. The design allows operators to make necessary adjustments in place, eliminating the need for time-consuming validation studies and complete requalification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If machine height settings are not changed for pre-crimped cartridges, then production continuity is maintained, but filling nozzles may be damaged or cartridges may break due to insufficient height difference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction continuityVSAvoidrisk of damage to nozzles or cartridges

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The nest structure incorporates built-in height compensation features and cushioning elements that automatically adjust to maintain the safe height difference between filling nozzles and cartridge tops. This prevents damage to nozzles and cartridges while maintaining production continuity without requiring machine setting changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If complex closing solutions are used for cartridges, then closure functionality is achieved, but integration with existing machinery becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure functionalityVSAvoidcomplexity of integration with existing machinery

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nest structure serves as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between existing filling machinery and the closing operation. It provides a standardized interface and positioning system that facilitates easy integration with various existing machines while ensuring reliable closure functionality through proper alignment and support of cartridges during the closing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11498709B2Method for closing cartridges, supporting structure for supporting cartridge closures and transport or packaging container

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 SCHOTT POONAWALLA PVT LTD

AI summary

A transport or packaging container accommodating a plurality of supporting structures for closures, for transporting or packaging closures for closing cartridges for use in pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, in which the transport or packaging container is box-shaped and includes a bottom, which is closed or sealed by a seal, upstanding lower side-walls extending essentially perpendicularly from the bottom, a circumferential supporting step extending horizontally from the upstanding lower side-walls, upper side-walls extending upward from said circumferential supporting step, and a circumferential flange formed at upper ends of the upper side-walls; and the plurality of supporting structures for closures is accommodated inside the transport or packaging container.