Method and system for determining compressive strength of tablet coating

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of medicine detection, in particular to a tablet coating compressive strength measuring method and system, the tablet coating compressive strength measuring system comprises a base and a rotary table rotationally connected to the base, a plurality of groups of circumferentially distributed detection holes are formed in the upper surface of the rotary table, and the detection holes are vertically arranged in a penetrating mode; a detection column is slidably connected in the detection hole, and a blanking module, a pre-test module, a fine detection module and a discharging module are sequentially arranged above the rotary table in the rotating direction of the rotary table; through the two-step structure of the weight pre-test module and the fine detection module, tablets with obviously unqualified coating strength can be quickly screened out, only qualified tablets are subjected to fine detection, invalid operation of the fine detection module is effectively reduced, the overall detection efficiency is improved, meanwhile, loss of precision components is reduced, the service life of equipment is prolonged, and the maintenance cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pharmaceutical testing technology, specifically to a method and system for determining the compressive strength of tablet coatings. Background Technology

[0002] In the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, the compressive strength of tablet coating is one of the key indicators affecting the storage stability, transport resistance, and in vivo disintegration effect of tablets. Therefore, it is necessary to test the compressive strength of tablet coating to ensure that the quality of drugs meets the standards. Currently, the commonly used methods for determining the compressive strength of tablet coatings in the industry mostly employ a combination of pressure sensors and precision detection devices such as vision sensors. The pressure sensor applies gradual pressure to the tablet coating, while the vision sensor monitors the deformation and cracking of the coating to determine whether its compressive strength meets the standard. However, due to the lack of a pre-screening step for tablet coating strength, all tablets to be tested must undergo testing by a precision detection unit composed of pressure and vision sensors. In actual production, some tablet coatings have significantly lower strength than the standard value. Performing full-process testing on these tablets not only consumes a significant amount of testing equipment operating time and increases the ineffective consumption of testing resources, but also makes it difficult for the overall testing efficiency to meet the batch testing needs of large-scale pharmaceutical production. Therefore, this paper proposes a method and system for determining the compressive strength of tablet coatings to improve testing efficiency, extend the service life of testing equipment, and reduce equipment maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the problems in the prior art, this invention provides a method and system for determining the compressive strength of tablet coatings, which improves testing efficiency, extends the service life of testing equipment, and reduces equipment maintenance costs.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is a tablet coating compressive strength testing system, including a base and a turntable rotatably connected to the base. The upper surface of the turntable is provided with several sets of circumferentially distributed detection holes. The detection holes are vertically penetrating, and a detection column is slidably connected in the detection holes. Above the turntable, along the rotation direction of the turntable, a feeding module, a pre-testing module, a fine testing module, and a discharging module are arranged in sequence. A drive module for driving the turntable to rotate is provided on one side of the base.

[0005] Specifically, the pre-test module includes a sliding frame positioned above the turntable, a vertically arranged extrusion rod slidably connected within the sliding frame, an extrusion head corresponding to a detection hole fixedly connected to the lower end of the extrusion rod, a support frame fixedly connected to the upper end of the extrusion rod, a weight placed within the support frame, and the sliding frame fixedly connected to the side of the base via a connecting rod.

[0006] Specifically, the drive module includes a drive motor fixedly connected to the side of the base, a sector gear fixedly connected to the output end of the drive motor, a reciprocating screw coaxially connected above the sector gear, a moving ring threadedly connected to the reciprocating screw, a support ring fixedly connected to the side of the moving ring, a limit plate fixedly connected to the upper part of the extrusion rod, and the support ring located below the limit plate and corresponding to the limit plate.

[0007] Specifically, the turntable has a circumferentially distributed tooth structure on its outer side, which meshes with a sector gear for transmission.

[0008] Specifically, the precision detection module includes a vertically arranged support rod, the lower end of which is fixedly connected to the base. A horizontally arranged support plate is fixedly connected to one side of the support rod, and a detection cylinder is fixedly connected to the support plate. The output end of the detection cylinder is provided with a detection head. The upper surface of the base is provided with a mounting groove, in which a pressure sensor is installed. The mounting groove corresponds to the lower end of the detection head. The support rod is provided with a visual sensor on the side near the detection head for monitoring the deformation and cracking of the tablet coating during the precision detection process.

[0009] Specifically, the discharge module includes a material extraction pipe set above the turntable. One end of the material extraction pipe is connected to a push-type three-way switching valve through a pipeline. Several sets of wedge-shaped extrusion blocks corresponding to the number of detection holes are distributed on the outer circumference of the turntable. When the wedge-shaped extrusion blocks are pressed against the valve stem of the switching valve, they connect the material extraction pipe to the switching valve. The switching valve is fixedly connected to the base through a support member.

[0010] Specifically, an annular suction shell is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the sliding frame. The inner side of the suction shell is provided with several sets of suction holes. The suction shell is connected to the switching valve through a pipeline. When the wedge-shaped extrusion block is squeezed against the valve stem of the switching valve, the connection between the suction shell and the switching valve is closed.

[0011] Specifically, the feeding module includes a vertically arranged feeding pipe, the lower end face of which slides in contact with the upper surface of the turntable, and several sets of tablets to be tested are vertically stacked inside the feeding pipe.

[0012] A method for determining the compressive strength of tablet coatings, using the aforementioned tablet coating compressive strength determination system, specifically includes the following steps: S1. The drive module drives the turntable on the base to rotate. The turntable pauses once every time it rotates to the distance between the detection holes. The feeding module feeds the tablet to be tested into the currently aligned detection hole. The tablet is placed on the detection column in the detection hole. S2. The turntable rotates to the corresponding position of the pre-test module and pauses. The pre-test module tests the tablets on the detection column. S3. The turntable transfers the pre-tested tablets to the corresponding position of the precision detection module and pauses. If the test result of the pre-test module is unqualified, the precision detection module will not apply pressure to the tablet coating. If the test result of the pre-test module is qualified, the precision detection module will start applying pressure to the tablet coating and monitor the compressive strength data. S4. The turntable continues to rotate, transferring the tested tablets to the corresponding position of the discharge module, where the discharge module discharges the tablets from the turntable, completing the testing of a single tablet.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are: (1) The method and system for determining the compressive strength of tablet coating described in this invention, through the two-step structure of the weight pre-test module and the fine test module, can quickly screen out tablets with obviously unqualified coating strength, and only qualified tablets enter the fine test, effectively reducing the ineffective operation of the fine test module, improving the overall test efficiency, while reducing the wear of precision components, extending the service life of the equipment, and reducing maintenance costs.

[0014] (2) The method and system for determining the compressive strength of tablet coating described in this invention achieves intermittent rotation of the turntable and vertical movement of the pre-test extrusion rod through the same drive motor. When the sector gear drives the turntable to rotate intermittently, it can control the connection between the detection hole and each workstation for feeding, pre-testing, fine testing, and discharging, without the need for additional positioning sensors. At the same time, the reciprocating screw drives the extrusion rod to move down to apply pressure and move up to reset through thread transmission, avoiding the synchronization error problem caused by independent control of multiple drive systems in the prior art, simplifying the overall structure of the equipment, reducing the risk of electrical control failure, and improving the consistency and reliability of the pre-test results.

[0015] (3) The method and system for determining the compressive strength of tablet coating described in this invention achieve closed-loop cleaning through the linkage of the suction shell and the switching valve, which solves the problem that the pre-test extrusion head is prone to residual tablet fragments, which leads to uneven subsequent pressure or non-strength damage to the tablet. It avoids the error caused by the weight of the extrusion rod due to the increase of residue, and ensures the accuracy of the pre-test pressure. At the same time, when the wedge extrusion block triggers the discharge, the switching valve closes the suction shell passage, which avoids the intake of foreign objects during the non-cleaning stage from affecting the operation of the equipment. No additional manual cleaning process is required, which further improves the accuracy of the test results. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a side view of the present invention; Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of region A; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pre-test module structure of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the suction shell structure of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the base portion of the present invention; Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of region B; In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Turntable; 3. Detection hole; 4. Detection column; 5. Sliding frame; 6. Extrusion rod; 7. Extrusion head; 8. Support frame; 9. Weight; 10. Connecting rod; 11. Drive motor; 12. Sector gear; 13. Reciprocating screw; 14. Moving ring; 15. Support ring; 16. Limiting plate; 17. Gear structure; 18. Support rod; 19. Support plate; 20. Detection cylinder; 21. Detection head; 22. Mounting slot; 23. Pressure sensor; 24. Suction pipe; 25. Switching valve; 26. Wedge-shaped extrusion block; 27. Valve stem; 28. Support component; 29. ​​Suction shell; 30. Suction hole; 31. Discharge pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0019] To improve detection efficiency, extend the service life of detection equipment, and reduce equipment maintenance costs, as one embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the method and system for determining the compressive strength of tablet coating according to the present invention includes a base 1 and a turntable 2 rotatably connected to the base 1. The upper surface of the turntable 2 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially distributed detection holes 3. The detection holes 3 are vertically penetrating. A detection column 4 is slidably connected inside the detection holes 3. A feeding module, a pre-testing module, a fine testing module, and a discharging module are sequentially arranged above the turntable 2 along the rotation direction of the turntable 2. A driving module for driving the turntable 2 to rotate is provided on one side of the base 1.

[0020] During use, the drive module drives the turntable 2 on the base 1 to rotate at a constant speed. The turntable 2 pauses once every time it rotates the distance of one detection hole 3. Each time the turntable 2 pauses, the tablets to be tested in the feeding module will fall into the corresponding detection hole 3 one by one and be placed on the detection column 4 in the detection hole 3, thus realizing automatic feeding of tablets. While the drive module drives the turntable 2 to rotate, it simultaneously drives the pre-test module to start working. When the turntable 2 stops and the detection hole 3 corresponds to the pre-test module, the pre-test module performs a rapid test on the tablets on the detection column 4 to determine whether the tablet coating meets the minimum strength requirements. It quickly filters out obviously unqualified tablets, preventing such tablets from entering the fine test stage and occupying equipment resources, reducing the ineffective working time of the fine test module, and indirectly improving the overall testing efficiency. After the pre-test is completed, when the drive module is working, it moves the pre-test module upward to reset and continues to drive the turntable 2 to rotate, transferring the pre-tested tablets to the corresponding position of the precision detection module. If the tablets are damaged after the pre-test, the precision detection module will not start the detection to avoid invalid detection and waste. At the same time, since it is not necessary to inspect all tablets one by one, the operating load of the precision detection module is reduced, its service life is extended, and the equipment maintenance cost is reduced. If the tablet is intact and passes the pre-test, the precision testing module will start working. It will gradually apply pressure to the tablet coating, increasing the pressure intensity step by step, until the tablet coating is damaged or cracked. Then the pressure will be stopped. During the pressure application, real-time pressure data will be collected simultaneously to monitor the instantaneous state of the coating damage and cracking, forming a complete test result. This result will be linked with information such as the sampled batch and testing time of the tablet and recorded online for easy traceability and query in the future. After the fine inspection is completed, the drive module continues to drive the turntable 2 to rotate, transferring the inspected tablet to the corresponding position of the discharge module. The discharge module then discharges the broken tablet after inspection from the turntable 2, completing the full-process inspection of a single sampled tablet.

[0021] To facilitate pre-testing of the tablets, for example, such as Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the present invention also includes a pre-test module comprising a sliding frame 5 disposed above the turntable 2, a vertically disposed extrusion rod 6 slidably connected within the sliding frame 5, an extrusion head 7 corresponding to the detection hole 3 fixedly connected to the lower end of the extrusion rod 6, a support frame 8 fixedly connected to the upper end of the extrusion rod 6, a weight 9 placed within the support frame 8, and the sliding frame 5 fixedly connected to the side of the base 1 via a connecting rod 10.

[0022] When in use, calculate and select the corresponding weight 9 according to the minimum qualified compressive strength standard of the tablet coating to be tested, and place it in the support frame 8 of the pre-test module to ensure that the applied pressure load matches the minimum qualified standard, so as to provide a reliable pressure benchmark for subsequent pre-tests and improve the accuracy of pre-tests. Driven by the drive module, the turntable 2 rotates at a constant speed. When the tablet to be tested is transported by the turntable 2 to the area directly below the extrusion rod 6, the turntable 2 stops rotating, thus positioning the testing station. Then, driven by the drive module, the extrusion rod 6 moves vertically downward along the sliding frame 5. After the extrusion rod 6 moves to the preset position, the extrusion head 7 contacts the tablet coating surface. The weight 9 in the support frame 8 is applied to the tablet through the extrusion rod 6 and the extrusion head 7. The constant load is used to perform a pre-test of the tablet coating strength. The constant load of the weight 9 avoids pressure fluctuations and ensures the consistency of the pre-test results. If the tablet coating cannot withstand the weight of the weight 9 and breaks or shatters during the pressure application process, it is deemed to have failed the pre-test. The tablet will not be subject to further fine testing, which directly reduces the ineffective testing load on the fine testing module, reduces equipment operating losses, and extends the service life of precision components. If the tablet coating remains intact and undamaged, it is deemed to have passed the pre-test and will be subject to further fine testing, which enables accurate sorting of qualified samples and improves overall testing efficiency. After the pre-test is completed, the drive module first moves the squeezing rod 6 upward to reset and disengage it from the detection hole 3. Then, the drive module drives the turntable 2 to continue rotating, conveying the pre-tested tablets toward the precision detection module to ensure the continuity of the test.

[0023] To improve overall detection efficiency, for example, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the present invention also includes a drive module comprising a drive motor 11 fixedly connected to the side of the base 1, a sector gear 12 fixedly connected to the output end of the drive motor 11, a reciprocating screw 13 coaxially connected above the sector gear 12, a moving ring 14 threadedly connected to the reciprocating screw 13, a support ring 15 fixedly connected to the side of the moving ring 14, a limit plate 16 fixedly connected to the upper part of the pressing rod 6, and the support ring 15 located below the limit plate 16 and corresponding to the limit plate 16.

[0024] During operation, the drive motor 11 synchronously drives the sector gear 12 and the reciprocating screw 13 to rotate. When the sector gear 12 rotates, its toothed segment will drive the turntable 2 to rotate. When the sector gear 12 rotates to the toothless segment, it will no longer drive the turntable 2, and the turntable 2 will lose its driving force and stop. At this time, the detection hole 3 is exactly aligned with the extrusion head 7 of the pre-test module, ensuring that each tablet can be accurately connected to the pre-test station. The reciprocating screw 13 drives the moving ring 14 to move continuously downward along the screw axis. The support ring 15 fixed on the side of the moving ring 14 moves downward synchronously, thereby causing the extrusion rod 6 to move vertically and smoothly downward along the sliding frame 5. This ensures that the extrusion head 7 applies pressure to the tablet coating evenly and stably, effectively avoiding the interference of pressure fluctuations on the pre-test results and improving the reliability of the test data. After the pre-test is completed, the sector gear 12 is still in the toothless section and cannot drive the turntable 2 to rotate. Instead, the reciprocating screw 13 drives the moving ring 14 and the support ring 15 to move upward. When the support ring 15 moves upward, it simultaneously pulls the limiting plate 16, which drives the extrusion rod 6 to move vertically upward along the sliding frame 5 to the initial position. When the extrusion head 7 leaves the detection hole 3, the sector gear 12 rotates to the toothed section and drives the turntable 2 to continue rotating. This accurately transfers the pre-tested tablets to the next station, further improving the overall testing efficiency.

[0025] To facilitate the rotation of turntable 2, for example, as follows: Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, the present invention also includes a circumferentially distributed tooth structure 17 on the outer side of the turntable 2, the tooth structure 17 meshing with the sector gear 12 for transmission.

[0026] When in use, the drive motor 11 drives the sector gear 12 to rotate, and the toothed section of the sector gear 12 meshes with the tooth structure 17 to drive the turntable 2 to rotate synchronously. When the sector gear 12 rotates to the toothless section, it disengages from the tooth structure 17, and the turntable 2 stops after losing transmission power. At this time, the detection hole 3 is exactly aligned with the extrusion head 7 of the pre-test module. The intermittent meshing of the tooth structure 17 and the sector gear 12 eliminates the need for additional positioning sensors. The orderly cycle of rotation and pause is achieved through the mechanical structure, resulting in high positioning accuracy. At the same time, it simplifies the equipment control logic and reduces the risk of electrical control failure.

[0027] To facilitate precise detection of the tablets, for example, such as Figure 2 , Figure 6 As shown, the present invention also includes the following: the precision detection module includes a vertically arranged support rod 18, the lower end of the support rod 18 is fixedly connected to the base 1, a horizontally arranged support plate 19 is fixedly connected to one side of the support rod 18, a detection cylinder 20 is fixedly connected to the support plate 19, and a detection head 21 is provided at the output end of the detection cylinder 20. The upper surface of the base 1 is provided with a mounting groove 22, and a pressure sensor 23 is installed in the mounting groove 22. The mounting groove 22 corresponds to the lower end of the detection head 21. The support rod 18 is provided with a visual sensor on the side near the detection head 21 for monitoring the deformation and cracking state of the tablet coating during the precision detection process.

[0028] During use, the pre-tested tablets rotate with the turntable 2. When the detection hole 3 aligns with the detection head 21 of the precision detection module and the pressure sensor 23 in the mounting slot 22 of the base 1, the turntable 2 stops. The upper end of the detection head 21 corresponds to the upper end of the pressure sensor 23. If the visual sensor detects that the coating has cracked, the pre-test is unqualified, and the precision detection module will no longer perform pressure testing. If the visual sensor detects that the coating has not cracked, the pre-test is qualified, and the precision detection module will continue to perform pressure testing. The detection cylinder 20 on the support plate 19 is activated, and the cylinder output pushes the detection head 21 vertically downward to apply a gradual pressure to the tablet coating. The pressure is transmitted to the pressure sensor 23, which collects the pressure data applied by the detection head 21 in real time and transmits it synchronously to the data recording unit. At the same time, the visual sensor continuously monitors the deformation and cracking state of the tablet coating. The dual monitoring of pressure data and visual images can accurately capture the pressure value at the moment of coating damage or cracking, avoiding misjudgment by a single monitoring method and making the test results more comprehensive and reliable. When the vision sensor detects a crack in the coating, or when the pressure sensor 23 reaches the preset maximum pressure value, the detection cylinder 20 immediately stops applying pressure and reverses to reset. At the same time, the pressure peak, damage status, and detection time of the detection data are associated with the tablet batch information and stored on the network for subsequent quality traceability and process optimization. The detection cylinder 20 drives the detection head 21 to move up to the initial position and completes the reset; the turntable 2 starts again and transfers the tested tablets to the discharge module. The entire detection process does not require manual intervention. The reset action and the transfer of the turntable 2 are seamlessly connected, reducing the process interval, ensuring the continuity of batch detection, and improving the overall detection efficiency.

[0029] For example, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the present invention also includes a material discharge module comprising a material extraction pipe 24 disposed above the turntable 2. One end of the material extraction pipe 24 is connected to a push-type three-way switching valve 25 via a pipeline. Several sets of wedge-shaped extrusion blocks 26 corresponding to the number of detection holes 3 are distributed on the outer circumference of the turntable 2. When the wedge-shaped extrusion blocks 26 are extruded by the valve stem 27 of the switching valve 25, the material extraction pipe 24 is connected to the switching valve 25. The switching valve 25 is fixedly connected to the base 1 via a support member 28.

[0030] During use, after the tablets have been pre-tested and finely tested, they rotate with the turntable 2 to the corresponding area of ​​the discharge module. The turntable 2 continues to rotate. When the lower end of the extraction tube 24 is aligned with the upper end of the detection hole 3, the wedge-shaped extrusion block 26 and the valve stem 27 of the switching valve 25 are squeezed. After the switching valve 25 connects the extraction tube 24 with the negative pressure suction device, a negative pressure suction is generated, which quickly extracts the tablets in the corresponding detection hole 3. As turntable 2 continues to rotate, wedge-shaped extrusion block 26 gradually disengages from valve stem 27 of switching valve 25. Valve stem 27 resets under its own elasticity, switching valve 25 closes the connection between extraction pipe 24 and negative pressure pipeline, extraction pipe 24 stops extraction, and at the same time prepares for the extraction of tablets from the next detection hole 3. As the turntable 2 continues to rotate, each set of wedge-shaped extrusion blocks 26 sequentially extrudes and disengages from the valve stem 27 of the switching valve 25, repeating the process of docking, triggering connection, material extraction, and stopping. This continuously extracts the tested tablets from the detection hole 3 and transports them to the designated collection area. The entire process requires no manual intervention, achieving batch output. It seamlessly connects with the preceding testing process, ensuring continuous and stable operation of the equipment and adapting to batch testing requirements.

[0031] To ensure the accuracy of pre-test results, for example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the present invention also includes an annular suction shell 29 fixedly connected to the lower surface of the sliding frame 5. The suction shell 29 has a plurality of suction holes 30 on its inner side. The suction shell 29 is connected to the switching valve 25 through a pipeline. When the wedge-shaped extrusion block 26 is extruded by the valve stem 27 of the switching valve 25, the connection between the suction shell 29 and the switching valve 25 is closed.

[0032] When in use, if the wedge-shaped extrusion block 26 is not in contact with the valve stem 27 of the switching valve 25, the push-type three-way switching valve 25 keeps the suction shell 29 and the negative pressure pipeline connected. The negative pressure is transmitted to the suction hole 30 of the suction shell 29 through the pipeline, generating uniform suction. The negative pressure suction generated by the suction hole 30 acts on the surface of the extrusion head 7, removing the sticky tablet residue and transporting it through the pipeline to the designated waste collection area to avoid residue leakage and ensure the flatness of subsequent pressure application of the extrusion head 7, avoiding uneven pressure due to residue residue. When the wedge-shaped extrusion block 26 rotates to press against the valve stem 27 of the switching valve 25, the internal channel of the switching valve 25 switches, closing the connection between the suction shell 29 and the negative pressure pipeline, and the suction cleaning of the suction shell 29 stops; suction is only maintained when the extrusion rod 6 is reset and cleaning is required, to prevent foreign objects from being sucked in during non-cleaning stages and affecting the operation of the equipment; through suction cleaning, the accumulation of residue on the surface of the extrusion head 7 is effectively avoided, preventing residue from increasing the overall weight of the extrusion rod 6 and causing the load superposition error of the weight 9 during subsequent pre-tests, ensuring the pressure accuracy, and at the same time eliminating residue, preventing scratches or additional extrusion on the coating of the next set of tablets, avoiding non-strength damage to the tablet coating caused by residue, reducing misjudgments, ensuring the accuracy of pre-test results, and indirectly improving the overall testing efficiency.

[0033] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the present invention also includes a feeding module comprising a vertically arranged feeding pipe 31, the lower end face of the feeding pipe 31 being in sliding contact with the upper surface of the turntable 2, and a plurality of groups of tablets to be tested being vertically stacked inside the feeding pipe 31.

[0034] In use, the tablets to be tested are stacked horizontally in the vertically arranged feed tube 31. After the turntable 2 is started, when the detection hole 3 on the turntable 2 rotates to be directly below the feed tube 31, the tablet at the bottom of the feed tube 31 falls into the detection hole 3 under the action of gravity and enters the next process with the turntable 2. Because the lower end face of the feed tube 31 slides in contact with the upper surface of the turntable 2, the tablets only fall when the detection hole 3 is aligned, thus avoiding material leakage at non-stations.

[0035] This invention also provides a method for determining the compressive strength of tablet coatings, using the aforementioned tablet coating compressive strength determination system, specifically including the following steps: S1. The drive module drives the turntable 2 on the base 1 to rotate. The turntable 2 pauses once every time it rotates one detection hole 3 interval. The feeding module feeds the tablet to be tested into the currently aligned detection hole 3. The tablet is placed on the detection column 4 in the detection hole 3. S2, the turntable 2 rotates to the corresponding position of the pre-test module and pauses, and the pre-test module tests the tablets on the detection column 4; S3, turntable 2 transfers the pre-tested tablets to the corresponding position of the precision detection module and pauses. If the test result of the pre-test module is unqualified, the precision detection module will not apply pressure to the tablet coating. If the test result of the pre-test module is qualified, the precision detection module will start applying pressure to the tablet coating and monitor the compressive strength data. S4. Turntable 2 continues to rotate, transferring the tested tablets to the corresponding position of the discharge module, where the discharge module discharges the tablets from turntable 2, completing the testing of a single tablet.

[0036] When using this invention, the tablets to be tested are horizontally stacked and placed into the vertical feeding tube 31 of the feeding module. According to the minimum qualified compressive strength standard of the coating of the tablets to be tested, the weight 9 of the corresponding weight is calculated and selected and placed in the support frame 8 of the pre-test module to ensure that the applied pressure load matches the minimum qualified standard. The drive motor 11 on the side of the base 1 is started. The drive motor 11 synchronously drives the sector gear 12 and the reciprocating screw 13 to rotate. The toothed section of the sector gear 12 meshes with the tooth structure 17 on the outer side of the turntable 2, driving the turntable 2 to rotate at a constant speed. When the sector gear 12 rotates to the toothless section, it disengages from the tooth structure 17, the turntable 2 loses driving force and stops. At this time, a detection hole 3 on the turntable 2 is aligned with the bottom of the feeding tube 31. The tablet at the bottom of the feeding tube 31 falls into the aligned detection hole 3 under the action of gravity and is placed on the detection column 4 in the detection hole 3, completing the automatic feeding of a single tablet. The drive motor 11 continues to work, and the sector gear 12 re-enters the toothed section to continuously feed the material. When the turntable 2 rotates to a certain position, it stops. The detection hole 3 containing the tablet is aligned with the extrusion head 7 of the pre-test module. The reciprocating screw 13 rotates synchronously, driving the moving ring 14 and the side support ring 15 to move downward along the screw axis. The support ring 15 pushes the limit plate 16 on the upper part of the extrusion rod 6, so that the extrusion rod 6 moves vertically and smoothly downward along the sliding frame 5. After the extrusion rod 6 moves down to the preset position, the extrusion head 7 contacts the tablet coating surface. The gravity of the weight 9 in the support frame 8 is applied to the tablet through the extrusion rod 6 and the extrusion head 7, and the pre-test is carried out with the help of a constant load. During the pressure application process, observe the coating condition of the tablets: if they cannot withstand the weight of the weight 9 and break or shatter, the pre-test is deemed unqualified; if they remain intact and undamaged, the pre-test is deemed qualified. After the pre-test is completed, the reciprocating screw 13 rotates in the reverse direction, driving the moving ring 14 and the supporting ring 15 to move upward, and the traction limiting plate 16 causes the squeezing rod 6 to move vertically upward along the sliding frame 5 to reset and disengage from the detection hole 3. The sector gear 12 re-enters the toothed section, driving the turntable 2 to rotate and transferring the pre-tested tablets to the corresponding position of the precision detection module. When the turntable 2 rotates until the detection hole 3 corresponds to the detection head 21 of the precision detection module, the sector gear 12 rotates into the toothless section, and the turntable 2 stops. The vision sensor on one side of the support rod 18 first monitors the tablet coating: if the coating is found to be cracked, the pre-test is unqualified, and the precision detection module does not start the detection; if the coating is found to be intact, the pre-test is qualified, and the precision detection module starts working. The detection cylinder 20 on the support plate 19 is activated. The cylinder output pushes the detection head 21 to move vertically downward, applying a gradual pressure to the tablet coating. The pressure is transmitted to the pressure sensor 23 below. The pressure sensor 23 collects the pressure data applied by the detection head 21 in real time and transmits it to the data recording unit. At the same time, the vision sensor continuously monitors the deformation and cracking state of the tablet coating, realizing dual monitoring of pressure data and visual images. When the vision sensor detects a crack in the coating, or when the pressure sensor 23 reaches the preset maximum pressure value, the detection cylinder 20 immediately stops applying pressure and reverses to reset, causing the detection head 21 to move upward to the initial position; the information such as the pressure peak, damage status and detection time in the detection data are linked with the tablet batch information and stored online for subsequent quality traceability; After the fine inspection is completed, the sector gear 12 drives the turntable 2 to continue rotating, transferring the inspected tablets to the corresponding area of ​​the discharge module. When the inspection hole 3 is aligned with the lower end of the extraction pipe 24, the wedge-shaped extrusion block 26 on the outside of the turntable 2 squeezes the valve stem 27 of the push-type three-way switching valve 25. The switching valve 25 connects the extraction pipe 24 with the negative pressure suction device, generating negative pressure suction to quickly extract the tablets in the inspection hole 3 and transport them to the designated collection area. As the turntable 2 continues to rotate, the wedge-shaped extrusion block 26 gradually disengages from the valve stem 27 of the switching valve 25. The valve stem 27 resets under its own elasticity, and the switching valve 25 closes the connection between the extraction pipe 24 and the negative pressure pipeline. The extraction pipe 24 stops extracting material, preparing for the next tablet to be dispensed. When the wedge-shaped extrusion block 26 is not in contact with the valve stem 27, the switching valve 25 keeps the suction shell 29 connected to the negative pressure pipeline. The suction hole 30 inside the suction shell 29 generates uniform suction to remove the tablet fragments adhering to the surface of the extrusion head 7. The fragments are then transported through the pipeline to the designated waste collection area to prevent the residues from affecting the subsequent pressure accuracy.

[0037] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for determining the compressive strength of tablet coatings, characterized in that, The device includes a base (1) and a turntable (2) rotatably connected to the base (1). The upper surface of the turntable (2) is provided with several sets of circumferentially distributed detection holes (3). The detection holes (3) are vertically through-holes. A detection column (4) is slidably connected inside the detection holes (3). A feeding module, a pre-testing module, a fine detection module and a discharge module are arranged sequentially above the turntable (2) along the rotation direction of the turntable (2). A driving module for driving the turntable (2) to rotate is provided on one side of the base (1).

2. The tablet coating compressive strength testing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pre-test module includes a sliding frame (5) set above the turntable (2), a vertically arranged extrusion rod (6) is slidably connected in the sliding frame (5), an extrusion head (7) corresponding to the detection hole (3) is fixedly connected to the lower end of the extrusion rod (6), a support frame (8) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the extrusion rod (6), a weight (9) is placed in the support frame (8), and the sliding frame (5) is fixedly connected to the side of the base (1) through a connecting rod (10).

3. The tablet coating compressive strength testing system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive module includes a drive motor (11) fixedly connected to the side of the base (1). A sector gear (12) is fixedly connected to the output end of the drive motor (11). A reciprocating screw (13) is coaxially connected above the sector gear (12). A moving ring (14) is threaded onto the reciprocating screw (13). A support ring (15) is fixedly connected to the side of the moving ring (14). A limit plate (16) is fixedly connected to the upper part of the extrusion rod (6). The support ring (15) is located below the limit plate (16) and corresponds to the limit plate (16).

4. The tablet coating compressive strength testing system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The turntable (2) has a circumferentially distributed tooth structure (17) on its outer side, which meshes with a sector gear (12) for transmission.

5. The tablet coating compressive strength testing system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The precision detection module includes a vertically arranged support rod (18), the lower end of which is fixedly connected to the base (1), and a horizontally arranged support plate (19) is fixedly connected to one side of the support rod (18). A detection cylinder (20) is fixedly connected to the support plate (19), and a detection head (21) is provided at the output end of the detection cylinder (20). The upper surface of the base (1) is provided with a mounting groove (22), and a pressure sensor (23) is installed in the mounting groove (22). The mounting groove (22) corresponds to the lower end of the detection head (21). The support rod (18) is provided with a visual sensor on the side near the detection head (21) for monitoring the deformation and cracking state of the tablet coating during the precision detection process.

6. The tablet coating compressive strength testing system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The discharge module includes a material extraction pipe (24) set above the turntable (2). One end of the material extraction pipe (24) is connected to a push-type three-way switching valve (25) through a pipeline. Several sets of wedge-shaped extrusion blocks (26) corresponding to the number of detection holes (3) are distributed on the outer circumference of the turntable (2). When the wedge-shaped extrusion blocks (26) are squeezed by the valve stem (27) of the switching valve (25), the material extraction pipe (24) is connected to the switching valve (25). The switching valve (25) is fixedly connected to the base (1) through a support member (28).

7. The tablet coating compressive strength testing system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lower surface of the sliding frame (5) is fixedly connected to an annular suction shell (29). The inner side of the suction shell (29) is provided with several sets of suction holes (30). The suction shell (29) is connected to the switching valve (25) through a pipeline. When the wedge-shaped extrusion block (26) and the valve stem (27) of the switching valve (25) are squeezed, the connection between the suction shell (29) and the switching valve (25) is closed.

8. The tablet coating compressive strength testing system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The feeding module includes a vertically arranged feeding tube (31), the lower end face of which slides in contact with the upper surface of the turntable (2), and several groups of tablets to be tested are vertically stacked inside the feeding tube (31).

9. A method for determining the compressive strength of a tablet coating, using the tablet coating compressive strength determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Specifically, the following steps are included: S1. The drive module drives the turntable (2) on the base (1) to rotate. The turntable (2) pauses once every time it rotates one detection hole (3) interval. The feeding module feeds the tablet to be tested into the currently aligned detection hole (3). The tablet is placed on the detection column (4) in the detection hole (3). S2, the turntable (2) rotates to the corresponding position of the pre-test module and pauses, and the pre-test module tests the tablets on the detection column (4); S3, the turntable (2) transfers the pre-tested tablets to the corresponding position of the precision detection module and pauses; If the test results of the pre-test module are unqualified, the fine test module will not apply pressure to the tablet coating; if the test results of the pre-test module are qualified, the fine test module will apply pressure to the tablet coating and monitor the compressive strength data. S4. The turntable (2) continues to rotate, transferring the completed tablets to the corresponding position of the discharge module, and the discharge module discharges the tablets from the turntable (2) to complete the detection of a single tablet.

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