A counting device and counting method for non-powdered solid dosage forms

Abstract

This invention discloses a counting device and method for non-powdered solid dosage forms. The counting device includes a counting plate body and positioning units. At least two positioning units are arranged sequentially from top to bottom and fixedly installed on one side of the counting plate body. Multiple positioning blocks are arranged on the other side of the counting plate body, with the number of positioning blocks matching the number of positioning units. Each positioning block corresponds one-to-one with each positioning unit on both sides of the counting plate body. The device provided by this invention can adjust the positions of the magnetic positioning pins and positioning blocks according to different counting requirements, thereby completing different counting operations. After the counting plate body is fully loaded, by observing whether the edge of the accumulated counted items aligns with the edge of the counting plate, it can be determined whether there are any abnormally shaped individuals in the accumulated counted items in the tank, thus improving the screening efficiency and counting accuracy of products with abnormal appearance during the counting process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pharmaceutical and chemical equipment technology, specifically to a counting device and method for non-powdered solid preparations. Background Technology

[0002] As a special commodity, pharmaceuticals are subject to strict requirements regarding dosage and packaging specifications in the medical field. For non-powder solid dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, or pills, the dosage in the smallest package is primarily controlled by counting the number of dosage units during the packaging process. Different drugs often have different packaging design specifications, especially non-commercial fixed-package products such as hospital preparations and investigational drugs for clinical research, which have diverse requirements in terms of packaging form and quantity. Therefore, to adapt to the packaging needs of various specifications, the counting methods and efficiency of pharmaceutical dosage forms need to be continuously improved during the packaging process.

[0003] Currently, the counting devices commonly used in this field for packaging non-powdered solid dosage forms are mainly particle counting plates, the structure of which is as follows: Figure 1 As shown. However, for existing counting plates, a target number of slots need to be etched on a single plate. The size of the slots usually needs to be comparable to the size of the target product. That is, for each new form of tablet, pill, or capsule, it needs to be customized according to the size or quantity, resulting in a large cost of product consumables. Secondly, with the existing manual counting plates, after each loading of the counting plate, the staff needs to check each slot to avoid insufficient quantity. However, as the number of slots increases, prolonged operation can easily cause visual or mental fatigue for the operator. That is, the more slots there are, the more visual points need to be focused on during counting. Under conditions of mental fatigue or negligence, it is inevitable that there will be problems such as missing or overloading, or even missing individual abnormal items, thus affecting the accuracy of counting and the quality of the final product.

[0004] Among other available methods, infrared tablet counters or checkweighers can reduce human error. However, they also increase costs and introduce new errors during the automation process. For example, in an infrared tablet counter, as tablets or capsules pass through a counting channel, the infrared detector detects the number of times the infrared light is blocked to determine the quantity of the preparation. Two or three adhered tablets, capsules, or fragments may be mistakenly counted as one unit and transferred to the packaging, resulting in overfilling or the presence of fragments. Furthermore, deformed capsules, loose capsule caps, and other abnormal individuals may also be mistakenly counted as a complete unit and transferred to the packaging, leading to product defects. Checkweighers, on the other hand, work by weighing the tare weight of multiple packages to calculate the average tare weight. The target quantity of preparation is then added to this average tare weight (also calculated by multiplying the average weight of multiple preparations by the target number of packages) to determine the target packaging condition. However, each individual package will have a weight error. When the tare weight error exceeds the weight of more than one dosage form, it is easy to misjudge the quantity, resulting in too many or too few. In addition, for packages containing dozens or more tablets, the cumulative weight error of each dosage form exceeds the average weight of a single tablet, posing a risk of overfilling or underfilling.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need in the field for a counting device and counting method for non-powdered solid dosage forms that can be applied to the counting requirements of various product forms, reduce the cost of consumables and time for counting, and provide convenient counting operation and accurate counting results. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a counting device for non-powdered solid preparations, including a counting plate body and positioning units. At least two positioning units are provided, and the positioning units are arranged and fixedly installed on one side of the counting plate body from top to bottom. Multiple positioning blocks are provided on the other side of the counting plate body. The number of positioning blocks is the same as the number of positioning units, and each positioning block is arranged on both sides of the counting plate body in a one-to-one correspondence with each positioning unit.

[0007] In one specific embodiment, the positioning unit includes a positioning groove and a magnetic positioning pin, wherein the magnetic positioning pin is detachably installed inside the positioning groove.

[0008] In one specific embodiment, the positioning groove is a V-shaped groove, and the magnetic positioning pin is cylindrical with a bottom diameter smaller than the width of the V-shaped groove.

[0009] In one specific embodiment, the positioning groove is a U-shaped groove, and the magnetic positioning pin is cylindrical with a bottom diameter smaller than the width of the U-shaped groove.

[0010] In one specific embodiment, the positioning groove is a square groove, and the magnetic positioning pin is cylindrical with the bottom diameter of the magnetic positioning pin being smaller than the width of the square groove.

[0011] In one specific embodiment, the positioning block is a magnetic block, and the magnetic block and the magnetic positioning pin are magnetically attached to both sides of the counting plate body in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0012] In one specific embodiment, the magnetic positioning pin is a magnetic block with magnetism. The magnetic block is either an exposed magnetic block or a magnetic block with an external protective coating. The protective coating is made of plastic or acrylic material.

[0013] In one specific embodiment, an anti-slip pad is provided on the contact surface between the positioning block and the counting plate body. The anti-slip pad is granular, sheet-like, linear, or mesh-like in shape, and is made of rubber, PVC, TPR, or silicone.

[0014] In one specific embodiment, the magnetic positioning pin is shaped as a cube, cuboid, or polygonal prism.

[0015] In one specific embodiment, a handle is fixedly installed at the bottom of the counting plate body.

[0016] In one specific embodiment, the counting plate body is made of plastic or acrylic material.

[0017] The present invention also provides a counting method for non-powdered solid dosage forms, based on the aforementioned counting device for non-powdered solid dosage forms, the method comprising the following steps:

[0018] S1. Measure the length L1 of the preparation to be counted, the length of the magnetic positioning pin, and the length of the positioning groove. Calculate the number of preparations N1 that each positioning unit can hold based on the measurement results.

[0019] S2. Determine the target amount of the formulation to be obtained in a single count. Based on the calculation results in S1, calculate the number of positioning units N2 required to achieve the target amount in a single count.

[0020] S3. Based on the calculation results in S2, install the magnetic positioning pins and positioning blocks, and add the preparation to be counted into the positioning groove;

[0021] S4. After the preparation to be counted is filled into the positioning groove, tilt the counting plate body towards the side where the magnetic positioning pin and positioning block are located, and slide the excess preparation that is not neatly arranged in the positioning groove out of the counting plate body.

[0022] S5. The operator visually observes the side of the counting plate body away from the magnetic positioning pin to determine whether the preparation to be counted is aligned with the edge of the counting plate body. If it is aligned, the counting is completed; if it is not aligned, the counting is paused and an abnormality is checked.

[0023] In one specific embodiment, in step S3, the method for installing the magnetic positioning pin and the positioning block is as follows:

[0024] When N2 is an integer, take N2 magnetic positioning pins and place them into N2 positioning slots respectively. The distance from the magnetic positioning pin to the edge of the counting board body is L1×N1. Then, attach N2 positioning blocks to the other side of the counting board body and correspond one-to-one with the magnetic positioning pins.

[0025] When N2 is not an integer, for the integer part of N2, take the integer number of magnetic positioning pins and place them into the integer number of positioning slots respectively, and the distance from the magnetic positioning pin to the edge of the counting plate body is L1×N1. Then, attach the integer number of positioning blocks to the other side of the counting plate body and correspond one-to-one with the magnetic positioning pins. For the non-integer part of N2, calculate the distance from the magnetic positioning pin and the positioning block to the edge of the counting plate based on the fractional part of the non-integer part, take one magnetic positioning pin and one positioning block, and attach them to the position corresponding to the obtained distance on the counting plate body.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0027] 1. The counting device for non-powdered solid preparations provided by the present invention, through the setting of detachable magnetic positioning pins and positioning blocks, allows the position of the magnetic positioning pins to be adjusted according to the required counting quantity, thereby improving the flexibility and adaptability of the counting work. It can meet the packaging requirements of preparations of different quantities and specifications, avoiding the cost problem caused by the need to customize counting plates according to different quantity requirements in the prior art, which is conducive to saving production costs and improving the practicality of the device.

[0028] 2. The counting device for non-powdered solid dosage forms provided by the present invention, through the setting of positioning grooves, allows for the selection of different shaped positioning grooves when counting solid dosage forms of various shapes, so as to make the loading and pouring process of the drug smoother, and thus the device can meet the counting requirements of various types of non-powdered solid dosage forms.

[0029] 3. The counting device for non-powdered solid preparations provided by the present invention avoids the complex operation of checking each hole required by the prior art. It only requires focusing on the end of the counting plate body away from the magnetic positioning pin and positioning block. The accuracy of the counting can be judged by whether the edge of the preparation to be counted is aligned with the edge of the counting plate body. This reduces the energy consumption of the operator, reduces personnel costs, and improves the accuracy of counting and screening.

[0030] 4. The counting method of the non-powder solid dosage form counting device provided by this invention is simple to operate and widely applicable. The positions of the magnetic positioning pins and positioning blocks can be adjusted according to the counting requirements of products with different shapes and sizes, thereby meeting the counting needs of products with various shapes and sizes. This makes the device widely applicable to a variety of dosage forms. After the counting plate is fully loaded, by observing whether the edge of the accumulated counted item is aligned with the edge of the counting plate, it can be determined whether there are any abnormal individuals in the accumulated counted item in the tank. This greatly improves the screening efficiency and counting accuracy of products with abnormal appearance during the counting process. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a counting plate in the prior art;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the counting device for non-powdered solid preparations provided by the present invention in Example 1;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a side view of the non-powder solid preparation counting device provided by the present invention after installing magnetic positioning pins and positioning blocks, as shown in Embodiment 1.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic positioning pins and positioning blocks installed when counting capsule formulations in Example 1.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the process of adding the capsule formulation to the main body of the counting plate when counting the capsule formulation in Example 1;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the capsule formulation after the main body of the counting plate is filled with the capsule formulation when counting the capsule formulation in Example 1;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of removing excess capsules when counting capsule formulations in Example 1;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the operator visually observing the counting results after the rejection process is completed when counting capsule formulations in Example 1.

[0039] In the figure, 1-counting plate body, 2-positioning unit, 3-positioning block, 4-positioning groove, 5-magnetic positioning pin, 6-handle, 7-capsule preparation. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the materials, instruments, and reagents used in the following embodiments can be obtained commercially. Unless otherwise specified, the technical means used in the embodiments are conventional means well known to those skilled in the art.

[0041] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc., illustrated in the accompanying drawings of this specification are only for illustrative purposes to aid those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the implementation conditions of this invention. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to size, without affecting the effectiveness and purpose of this invention, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this invention. Furthermore, the terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "middle," and "one" used in this specification are merely for clarity of description and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of this invention.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the figure, this embodiment illustrates a counting device for non-powdered solid preparations, including a counting plate body 1 and a positioning unit 2. At least two positioning units 2 are provided. The positioning units 2 are arranged and fixedly installed on one side of the counting plate body 1 from top to bottom. A plurality of positioning blocks 3 are provided on the other side of the counting plate body 1. The number of positioning blocks 3 is the same as the number of positioning units 2, and each positioning block 3 is arranged on both sides of the counting plate body 1 in a one-to-one correspondence with each positioning unit 2.

[0044] The positioning unit 2 includes a positioning groove 4 and a magnetic positioning pin 5, the magnetic positioning pin 5 being detachably installed inside the positioning groove 4. The positioning block 3 is a magnetic block, and the magnetic block and the magnetic positioning pin 5 are magnetically attached to both sides of the counting plate body 1 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0045] In this embodiment, six positioning units 2 are provided, and correspondingly, six magnetic positioning pins 5 and six positioning blocks 3 are also provided. The positioning groove 4 is set as a V-shaped groove, and the magnetic positioning pin 5 is cylindrical with a bottom diameter smaller than the width of the V-shaped groove.

[0046] A handle 6 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the counting plate body 1 for the operator to hold, or when used with automated instruments, the handle 6 can be used to facilitate the installation of this counting device.

[0047] The counting plate body 1 is made of plastic or acrylic. Choosing plastic or acrylic material is safe and lightweight, making it easy for operators to hold and operate without affecting the mutual attraction between the magnetic positioning pin 5 and the positioning block 3. The contact surface between the positioning block 3 and the counting plate body 1 is provided with a silicone anti-slip pad, which increases the friction between the positioning block 3 and the counting plate body 1, resulting in a higher fit and a more secure fixation, preventing displacement during use.

[0048] like Figure 4-8 As shown in the figure, this embodiment illustrates the counting process of capsule formulation 7 using the counting device for non-powdered solid dosage forms provided by the present invention. The steps are as follows:

[0049] S1. Measure the length L1 of the capsule formulation 7, the length of the magnetic positioning pin 5, and the length of the positioning groove 4. Calculate the number N1 of capsule formulation 7 that each positioning unit 2 can accommodate based on the measurement results.

[0050] S2. Determine the target quantity of capsule formulation 7 to be obtained in a single count. Based on the calculation results in S1, calculate the number N2 of positioning units 2 required to achieve the target quantity in a single count.

[0051] S3. Based on the calculation results in S2, install the magnetic positioning pin 5 and the positioning block 3. The specific method for installing the magnetic positioning pin 5 and the positioning block 3 is as follows:

[0052] When N2 is an integer, take N2 magnetic positioning pins 5 and put them into N2 positioning slots 4 respectively. The distance from the magnetic positioning pin 5 to the edge of the counting plate body 1 is L1×N1. At this time, the edge of the outermost capsule preparation 7 is aligned with the edge of the counting plate body 1. Then, attach N2 positioning blocks 3 to the other side of the counting plate body 1 and correspond one-to-one with the magnetic positioning pins 5.

[0053] When N2 is not an integer, for the integer part of N2, take the integer number of magnetic positioning pins 5 and place them into the integer number of positioning slots 4 respectively, and the distance from the magnetic positioning pin 5 to the edge 1 of the counting plate body is L1×N1. Then, the integer number of positioning blocks 3 are attracted to the other side of the counting plate body 1 and correspond one-to-one with the magnetic positioning pins 5. For the non-integer part of N2, calculate the distance from the magnetic positioning pins 5 and positioning blocks 3 to the edge of the counting plate body 1 based on the fractional part of the non-integer part, take one magnetic positioning pin 5 and one positioning block 3, and attract them to the position corresponding to the obtained distance of the counting plate body 1.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram after installation. The right side of the diagram shows the device without capsule formulation 7, and the left side shows the device with capsule formulation 7 added. Next, capsule formulation 7 is added to the positioning slot 4. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagrams show the process of adding capsule formulation 7 and the result after filling the capsule.

[0055] S4. After the capsule formulation 7 fills the positioning groove 4, tilt the counting plate body 1 towards the side where the magnetic positioning pin 5 and positioning block 3 are located, and slide the excess capsule formulation 7 that is not neatly arranged in the positioning groove 4 out of the counting plate body 1. Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the process of removing excess capsule formulation 7.

[0056] S5, according to Figure 8 As shown, the operator uses the naked eye to observe the side of the counting plate body 1 away from the magnetic positioning pin 5 to determine whether the capsule preparation 7 is aligned with the edge of the counting plate body 1. If it is aligned, the counting is completed; if it is not aligned, the counting is paused and an abnormality is checked.

[0057] In summary, the above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A counting method for non-powdered solid dosage forms, characterized in that, The counting device for non-powdered solid dosage forms includes a counting plate body and positioning units. At least two positioning units are provided, arranged sequentially from top to bottom and fixedly installed on one side of the counting plate body. Multiple positioning blocks are provided on the other side of the counting plate body, with the number of positioning blocks matching the number of positioning units. Each positioning block corresponds one-to-one with each positioning unit and is positioned on both sides of the counting plate body. Each positioning unit includes a positioning groove and a magnetic positioning pin. The magnetic positioning pin is detachably installed inside the positioning groove. The positioning blocks are magnetic blocks, and the magnetic blocks and magnetic positioning pins are magnetically attracted to both sides of the counting plate body in a one-to-one correspondence. The method includes the following steps: S1. Measure the length L1 of the preparation to be counted, the length of the magnetic positioning pin, and the length of the positioning groove. Calculate the number of preparations N1 that each positioning unit can hold based on the measurement results. S2. Determine the target amount of the formulation to be obtained in a single count. Based on the calculation results in S1, calculate the number of positioning units N2 required to achieve the target amount in a single count. S3. Based on the calculation results in S2, install the magnetic positioning pins and positioning blocks, and add the preparation to be counted into the positioning groove; S4. After the preparation to be counted is filled into the positioning groove, tilt the counting plate body towards the side where the magnetic positioning pin and positioning block are located, and slide the excess preparation that is not neatly arranged in the positioning groove out of the counting plate body. S5. The operator visually observes the side of the counting plate body away from the magnetic positioning pin to determine whether the preparation to be counted is aligned with the edge of the counting plate body. If it is aligned, the counting is completed; if it is not aligned, the counting is paused and an abnormality is checked.

2. The counting method for non-powdered solid dosage forms according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S3, the specific method for installing the magnetic positioning pin and the positioning block is as follows: When N2 is an integer, take N2 magnetic positioning pins and place them into N2 positioning slots respectively. The distance from the magnetic positioning pin to the edge of the counting board body is L1×N1. Then, attach N2 positioning blocks to the other side of the counting board body and correspond one-to-one with the magnetic positioning pins. When N2 is not an integer, for the integer part of N2, take an integer number of magnetic positioning pins and place them into an integer number of positioning slots. The distance from the magnetic positioning pin to the edge of the counting plate body is L1×N1. Then, attach an integer number of positioning blocks to the other side of the counting plate body, corresponding one-to-one with the magnetic positioning pins. For the non-integer part of N2, calculate the distance from the magnetic positioning pin and the positioning block to the edge of the counting plate based on the fractional part of the non-integer part. Take one magnetic positioning pin and one positioning block and attach them to the position corresponding to the obtained distance on the counting plate body.

3. The counting method for non-powdered solid dosage forms according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning groove is a V-shaped groove, and the magnetic positioning pin is cylindrical with a bottom diameter smaller than the width of the V-shaped groove.

4. The counting method for non-powdered solid dosage forms according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning groove is a U-shaped groove, and the magnetic positioning pin is cylindrical with a bottom diameter smaller than the width of the U-shaped groove.

5. The counting method for non-powdered solid dosage forms according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning groove is a square groove, and the magnetic positioning pin is cylindrical with a bottom diameter smaller than the width of the square groove.

6. The counting method for non-powdered solid dosage forms according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic positioning pin is a magnetic block with magnetism. The magnetic block is either an exposed magnetic block or a magnetic block with a protective coating on the outside. The protective coating is made of plastic or acrylic material.

7. The counting method for non-powdered solid dosage forms according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic positioning pin is in the shape of a cube, cuboid, or polygonal prism.

8. The counting method for non-powdered solid dosage forms according to claim 1, characterized in that, A handle is fixedly installed at the bottom of the counting plate body.

9. The counting method for non-powdered solid dosage forms according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the counting plate is made of plastic or acrylic.

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