Vacuum Stoppering of Fluid Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for vacuum stoppering of fluid containers fail to accurately position elastomeric stoppers, leading to potential gaps between the medicament and the stopper, which can result in headspace formation, compromising the hermetic seal and causing dosing errors or contamination.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a grasping tool to apply vacuum to the stopper, positioning it accurately within the cartridge using a combination of vacuum pressure and mechanical force, with circumferential sealing and stabilizing rings to prevent radial deformation and ensure a precise, non-deformed seal, utilizing a robotic arm and pneumatic control system for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical insertion of the stopper into the cartridge is used, then the stopper can be inserted into the cartridge, but the outer side walls of the stopper are permanently deformed compromising the hermetic seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic vacuum pressure to advance the stopper into the cartridge throat, replacing mechanical insertion methods. The vacuum pressure differential (atmospheric pressure outside the chamber versus reduced pressure inside) provides the force needed to move the stopper without excessive mechanical deformation, thereby maintaining the hermetic seal integrity of the PTFE coating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter by creating a vacuum environment in the chamber during stopper insertion. This pressure differential approach allows the stopper to be advanced smoothly into the cartridge without the excessive radial forces that cause permanent deformation and seal compromise in conventional mechanical insertion methods.
2Reliability
If vacuum pressure alone is used to advance the stopper, then the stopper can be positioned without mechanical deformation, but the vacuum pressure may be insufficient to move the stopper to the desired final depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two force mechanisms: pneumatic vacuum pressure and controlled mechanical force from a robotic arm. The vacuum pressure provides the primary advancing force while the robotic arm applies supplementary mechanical force only when needed to reach the final depth, combining the benefits of both non-contact pneumatic positioning and precise mechanical actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the force application mode, transitioning from pneumatic vacuum pressure to mechanical robotic arm actuation based on the stopper's position and the force required to reach the final depth. This dynamic approach allows the system to use the gentler pneumatic method for most of the行程 while reserving mechanical force for the final positioning phase.
3Length of moving object
If the stopper is radially deformed during insertion, then the stopper can be compressed to fit into the cartridge, but the PTFE coating is deformed beyond its elastic threshold causing wrinkles and permanent deformities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic vacuum pressure applied axially to advance the stopper into the cartridge, avoiding excessive radial compression forces. This pneumatic approach maintains the stopper's radial dimensions and keeps the PTFE coating within its elastic deformation limits, preventing wrinkles and permanent surface deformities that would compromise the hermetic seal.
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
The system achieves precise and repeatable positioning of stoppers, preventing radial deformation and ensuring a hermetic seal, thereby eliminating headspace and maintaining the integrity of the medicament within the container.
Implementation Method 1
the partial vacuum is released and the chamber in which the cartridges reside is vented to atmospheric pressure. Thereupon the stoppers are urged by the differential pressure thereon to enter fully into the cartridges, sealing the same.
Implementation Method 2
The stopper is grasped with a grasping tool by first applying vacuum to an upper surface of the stopper through the grasping tool.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and vacuum head assembly provide hermetic sealing of fluid medicament cartridges through vacuum stoppering with the assistance of accurate and repeatable mechanical positioning and handling of the stopper. Inert gasses may be introduced during the stoppering process so as to provide headspace or in the alternative completely eliminate headspace. The stopper may be provided with longingutidly spaced apart sealing and control rings providing an opportunity to introduce a stabilizing gas between the rings and a side wall of the cartridge to be hermetically sealed.