An automatic dispensing system

Abstract

An automatic dispensing system comprises a sterile bag, a system host, an incoming module, a warehouse-in module, a storage module, a warehouse-out module and a transportation module; the sterile bag contains a label; the incoming module comprises a mechanical hand component, a conveying component and a data detection component; the mechanical hand component grabs the sterile bag to the conveying component; the conveying component comprises a conveying belt which conveys the sterile bag to a conveying belt outlet; the data detection component comprises an identification module and a communication module; the warehouse-in module transmits the sterile bag at the conveying belt outlet to the storage module according to the size of the sterile bag; the storage module transmits the position information and size information of the storage window and the label information of the sterile bag in the storage window to the system host; the warehouse-out module transmits the sterile bag of the specified storage window to the transportation module according to the label information of the required sterile bag; the transportation module moves the sterile bag to an operating room; the system host is interconnected with the incoming module, the warehouse-in module, the storage module, the warehouse-out module and the transportation module respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of hospital goods delivery, and more specifically to an automated delivery system. Background Technology

[0002] After clinical use, contaminated packages are collected and sent to the decontamination area of ​​the Central Sterile Supply Department. Staff then sort, count, clean, disinfect, and dry them. In the inspection and packaging area, the instruments undergo quality inspection, maintenance, and assembly. Appropriate packaging materials are selected for packaging, and labels and barcodes are printed on the outside of the packages. Finally, the packages to be sterilized are sent to the sterilization area for sterilization through methods such as pressurized steam sterilization, hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization, and ethylene oxide low-temperature sterilization. After passing sterilization, the packages are cooled and stored in the sterile items storage area, awaiting distribution to clinical departments.

[0003] In traditional sterile package management, items are not stored in designated locations, making them prone to being misplaced and difficult to locate. Because sterile packages come in a wide variety of types and sizes, healthcare workers spend a significant amount of time searching for specific packages using traditional methods, making standardized management challenging. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application is made to address the aforementioned problems. According to this application, an automated order fulfillment system is provided, including aseptic packaging, a system host, an input module, an inbound module, a storage module, an outbound module, and a transportation module. A sterile package, wherein the sterile package contains a label, and the label information is transmitted to the system host; The input module includes a robotic arm component, a conveying component, and a data detection component. The robotic arm component grasps the sterile package and places it onto the conveying component; the conveying component includes a conveyor belt, which conveys the sterile package to the conveyor belt outlet; the data detection component includes an identification module and a communication module, the identification module acquires the size and label information of the sterile package, the communication module is used for information transmission, and the data detection component transmits the size and label information of the sterile package to the system host. The inbound module transfers the sterile packages from the conveyor belt exit to the storage module according to the size of the sterile packages. The storage module includes multiple storage windows of different sizes, and the storage module transmits the position information, size information and sterile package label information of the storage windows to the system host. The outbound module transmits the sterile packages in the specified storage window to the transportation module according to the label information of the required sterile packages; The transport module transfers the sterile package to the operating room; The system host is interconnected with the input module, the warehousing module, the storage module, the outbound module, and the transportation module.

[0005] In one embodiment of this application, the storage module includes a first surface and a second surface: The inbound module is located on the first side of the storage module, and the outbound module is located on the second side of the storage module.

[0006] In one embodiment of this application, a first transmission component is provided at the bottom of the storage window: The first transmission component causes the sterile package to move along the direction from the first surface of the storage module to the second surface of the storage module.

[0007] In one embodiment of this application, the warehousing module transmits its location information to the system host, and the conveying component further includes an inlet detection sensor and an outlet detection sensor. An entrance detection sensor is installed at the conveyor belt inlet; The conveyor belt outlet is equipped with an outlet detection sensor; The conveyor belt determines whether to rotate based on the position information of the inlet detection sensor, the outlet detection sensor, and the warehousing module.

[0008] In one embodiment of this application, the robotic arm component includes a robotic arm and a camera: The robotic arm uses the camera and the entrance detection sensor to grab the sterile package and place it at the entrance of the conveyor belt.

[0009] In one embodiment of this application, the warehousing module includes an warehousing platform, a first horizontal lead screw, and a first vertical lead screw: The first vertical lead screw is disposed on the side wall of the storage module; The first horizontal lead screw cooperates with the first vertical lead screw, and the first horizontal lead screw moves along the first vertical lead screw; An inbound platform is provided on the first horizontal lead screw, and the inbound platform moves on the first horizontal lead screw; The bottom of the storage platform is equipped with a second transmission component, which enables sterile packages to enter or leave the storage platform. The warehousing platform is equipped with a turntable, which rotates the warehousing platform.

[0010] In one embodiment of this application, the initial position of the inbound platform is set at one end of the inbound module near the conveyor belt outlet: When the exit detector detects that the sterile package is located at the conveyor belt exit and the storage platform is in the initial position, the second transmission component of the conveyor belt and the storage platform cooperates to move the sterile package into the storage platform; When the receiving platform moves to the designated storage window according to the size of the sterile package, the turntable rotates the receiving platform, so that the second transmission component of the receiving platform cooperates with the first transmission component of the storage window, so that the sterile package moves into the storage window.

[0011] In one embodiment of this application, the outbound module includes an outbound platform, a second horizontal lead screw, and a second vertical lead screw: The second vertical lead screw is disposed on the side wall of the storage module; The second horizontal lead screw cooperates with the second vertical lead screw, and the second horizontal lead screw moves along the second vertical lead screw; An outbound platform is provided on the second horizontal lead screw, and the outbound platform moves on the second horizontal lead screw; The bottom of the outbound platform is equipped with a third transmission component, which enables sterile packages to enter or leave the inbound platform. The outbound platform is equipped with a turntable, which rotates the outbound platform.

[0012] In one embodiment of this application, when the outbound platform moves to the designated storage window according to the label information of the required sterile package, the first transmission component of the storage window cooperates with the third transmission component of the outbound platform to move the sterile package to the outbound platform. When the outbound platform moves to the transportation module, the turntable rotates the outbound platform, and the third transmission component of the outbound platform moves the sterile package to the transportation module.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, the transportation module includes a delivery vehicle and a charging garage: The delivery vehicle includes a cargo frame for holding goods, and the delivery vehicle transports the sterile packages in the cargo frame to the operating room; The charging garage is used to charge the delivery vehicle.

[0014] The automated packing system of this application acquires the label information and size information of sterile packs on the conveyor belt through data detection components. The system host allocates storage windows according to the size information of the sterile packs. The sterile packs are transferred to storage windows of different sizes through the input module and the warehousing module. The system host determines the location of the required sterile pack based on the label information of the sterile pack and the position information of the storage window, and transfers the sterile pack to the operating room through the outbound module and the transportation module. By transferring sterile packs according to surgical needs and label information, the time spent on manual searching and handling is reduced, the management and distribution efficiency of sterile packs is improved, storage space can be fully utilized, storage is made more rational and efficient, the space utilization rate of storage equipment is improved, and the problem of insufficient storage capacity due to space waste is avoided. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments of this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this application and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain this application and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same components or steps.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a front view structural diagram of an automated order fulfillment system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a rear view structural diagram of an automated order fulfillment system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure label: 1. Sterile package; 2. System host; 3. Input module; 4. Inbound module; 5. Storage module; 6. Outbound module; 7. Transportation module; 31 Robotic arm components; 32 Conveying components; 33 Data detection components; 311. Robotic arm; 312. Camera; 321 Conveyor belt; 322 Inlet detection sensor; 323 Outlet detection sensor; 331 Identification module; 332 Communication module; 41. Warehouse entry platform; 42. First horizontal lead screw; 43. First vertical lead screw; 411 Second transmission assembly; 412 First limiting structure; 51 Storage window; 52 First transmission component; 61 Outbound platform; 62 Second horizontal lead screw; 63 Second vertical lead screw; 611 Third transmission assembly; 612 Second limiting structure; 71 Delivery vehicles; 72 Charging garages; 721 Positioning steps; 722 Automatic charging pile. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application more apparent, exemplary embodiments according to this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that this application is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. Based on the embodiments of this application described herein, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort should fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0019] Therefore, in view of the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model proposes an automatic order fulfillment system, referring to... Figure 1-2 This describes an automated order fulfillment system used to implement embodiments of the present invention. The automated order fulfillment system includes a sterile package 1, a system host 2, an input module 3, an inbound module 4, a storage module 5, an outbound module 6, and a transportation module 7. The sterile package 1 contains a label, and the label information is transmitted to the system host 2. The input module 3 includes a robotic arm component 31, a conveying component 32, and a data detection component 33. The robotic arm component 31 picks up the sterile package 1 and places it onto the conveying component 32. The conveying component 32 includes a conveyor belt 321, which transports the sterile package 1 to its exit point. The data detection component 33 includes an identification module 331 and a communication module 332. The identification module 331 acquires the size of the sterile package 1 and its label information, while the communication module 332 transmits the information. The data detection component 33... The size and label information of sterile package 1 are transmitted to the system host 2; the receiving module 4 transmits the sterile package 1 from the exit of conveyor belt 321 to the storage module 5 according to the size of the sterile package 1; the storage module 5 includes multiple storage windows 51 of different sizes, and transmits the position information, size information and label information of the sterile package 1 in the storage window 51 to the system host 2; the outgoing module 6 transmits the sterile package 1 in the designated storage window 51 to the transport module 7 according to the label information of the required sterile package 1; the transport module 7 transfers the sterile package 1 to the operating room; the system host 2 is interconnected with the input module 3, the receiving module 4, the storage module 5, the outgoing module 6 and the transport module 7 respectively.

[0020] The automated order fulfillment system according to this embodiment of the invention acquires the label information and size information of the sterile package 1 on the conveyor belt 321 through the data detection component 33. The system host 2 allocates storage windows 51 according to the size information of the sterile package 1. The sterile package 1 is transferred to storage windows 51 of different sizes through the input module 3 and the storage module 4. The system host 2 determines the required location of the sterile package 1 based on the label information of the sterile package 1 and the position information of the storage window 51, and transfers the sterile package 1 to the operating room through the outbound module 6 and the transport module 7. By transferring the sterile package 1 according to surgical needs and label information, the time for manual searching and handling is reduced, the management and distribution efficiency of the sterile package 1 is improved, storage space can be fully utilized, storage is more reasonable and efficient, the space utilization rate of storage equipment is improved, and the problem of insufficient storage capacity due to space waste is avoided.

[0021] The processing flow of various reusable instruments in the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) of a tertiary hospital can be divided into the following 10 steps. Each step must be completed in a physical environment of "clean and contaminated separation and unidirectional flow," and the entire process must be recorded and traceable. The 10 steps are: collection, counting and sorting, cleaning, disinfection, drying, inspection and maintenance, assembly and packaging, sterilization, cooling and unloading, and storage and distribution. In the packaging step, five types of crawling chemical indicator cards are placed inside the package, six chemical indicator tapes are affixed to the seal, and a traceability label is affixed to the outside. The label includes various information, such as item name, batch number, sterilization date, expiration date, packer, and checker. The label has wireless near-field communication capabilities.

[0022] During the cooling and unloading process, sterilization packages must be removed from the sterilization cabinet only after the sterilization temperature is below 80℃. After removal, they must be buffered in a clean area for 30 minutes to avoid the formation of wet packages due to thermal expansion and contraction. After 30 minutes, the packaging must be manually inspected to ensure it is dry, undamaged, and that the indicator tape has changed color satisfactorily before it can be put into storage.

[0023] Before sterilization, sterile package 1 will input the label information and the corresponding sterilization package information into the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) system. The system host 2 will obtain the corresponding information of the sterilization package and label by interfacing with the CSSD.

[0024] For example, the label contains the sterilization date and expiration date, and the label information can be transmitted to the system host. The system host can then transmit the sterilization date and expiration date from the label information of the sterile package to the disinfection supply center system.

[0025] Based on the label information of sterile packs, the system host can obtain information such as the sterilization date and expiration date of the sterile packs in real time, facilitating unified management of the expiration dates and avoiding waste caused by improper expiration date management. Hospitals have a large number of sterile packs with varying expiration dates, making unified management difficult. By reading the label information, centralized management and monitoring of the expiration dates of sterile packs are achieved, avoiding waste and safety hazards caused by chaotic expiration date management.

[0026] In the embodiments of this application, the storage module 5 includes a first side and a second side: the inbound module 4 is disposed on the first side of the storage module 5, and the outbound module 6 is disposed on the second side of the storage module 5.

[0027] The storage window 51 in storage module 5 is configured with various sizes to accommodate more sterile packages 1 within the same storage module 5 size. Storage module 5 activates the first transmission component 52 to transfer the sterile packages 1 according to instructions from the system host 2. The storage window 51 extends from the first surface of storage module 5 to the second surface of storage window 51. The size of storage window 51 is determined by the size of the matching sterile package 1; the length, width, and height of storage window 51 are all larger than the length, width, and height of the matching sterile package 1. Assuming the length, width, and height of sterile package 1 are C, K, and G, then the length, width, and height of the matching storage window 51 are not less than C+2cm, K+2cm, and G+2cm.

[0028] The storage window 51 of the storage module 5 is entered with a corresponding number in the system host 2 according to its physical location, such as 0101A, which means that the window in the first row and first column is size A. During the operation of the system, the system host 2 will record in real time whether there is a sterile package 1 in each storage window 51.

[0029] In the embodiments of this application, a first transmission component 52 is provided at the bottom of the storage window 51: the first transmission component 52 causes the sterile package 1 to move along the direction from the first surface of the storage module 5 to the second surface of the storage module 5.

[0030] For example, the first transmission component 52 can be a roller or a conveyor belt. The transmission of the first transmission component 52 can be divided into two parts. The first part transfers the sterile package 1 from the receiving platform 41 to the middle position of the storage window 51, that is, the sterile package 1 is transferred from the first side of the storage module 5 to the middle position of the storage window 51. The second part transfers the sterile package 1 from the middle position of the storage window 51 to the outgoing platform 61, that is, the sterile package 1 is transferred from the middle position of the storage window 51 to the second side of the storage window 51.

[0031] In the embodiments of this application, the warehousing module 4 transmits its position information to the system host 2. The conveying component 32 also includes an inlet detection sensor 322 and an outlet detection sensor 323: an inlet detection sensor 322 is provided at the inlet of the conveyor belt 321; an outlet detection sensor 323 is provided at the outlet of the conveyor belt 321; the conveyor belt 321 determines whether to rotate based on the position information of the inlet detection sensor 322, the outlet detection sensor 323 and the warehousing module 4.

[0032] The inlet detection sensor 322 and the outlet detection sensor 323 can be infrared non-contact sensors. Infrared non-contact sensors are sensors that utilize the characteristics of infrared radiation to detect the presence, movement, temperature, and other information of an object without direct contact with it. They are characterized by non-contact, high sensitivity, and fast response.

[0033] The conveyor belt 321 also includes a power unit, which provides power to the conveyor belt 321. The power unit of the conveyor belt 321 typically refers to the mechanical equipment used to drive the conveyor operation, including motors, drive rollers, etc.

[0034] The inlet detection sensor 322 and the outlet detection sensor 323 are used to detect whether there is a sterile package 1 at the inlet and outlet of the conveyor belt 321, respectively. The conveyor belt 321 uploads data such as the inlet detection sensor 322, the outlet detection sensor 323, and the belt rotation speed to the system host 2 in real time. The speed is provided by the drive device built into the conveyor belt 321.

[0035] The rotation of conveyor belt 321 is divided into two parts. The first part is to transfer the aseptic package 1 from the inlet of conveyor belt 321 to the outlet of conveyor belt 321. The second part is to transfer the aseptic package 1 from the outlet of conveyor belt 321 to the warehousing module 4.

[0036] During the first rotation: Conveyor belt 321 determines whether rotation is necessary based on the status of inlet detection sensor 322 and outlet detection sensor 323, and transports the sterile package 1 from the inlet to the outlet of conveyor belt 321. If both the inlet and outlet of conveyor belt 321 detect a sterile package 1, conveyor belt 321 remains stationary. If both the inlet and outlet of conveyor belt 321 detect a sterile package 1, conveyor belt 321 rotates. If both the inlet and outlet of conveyor belt 321 detect a sterile package 1, conveyor belt 321 remains stationary. If both the inlet and outlet of conveyor belt 321 detect a sterile package 1, conveyor belt 321 remains stationary.

[0037] During the second rotation: Conveyor belt 321 determines whether rotation is necessary based on the status of the inbound module 4 transmitted back by the outlet detection sensor 323 and the system host 2, and then transfers the sterile package 1 from the outlet of conveyor belt 321 to the inbound module 4. If the outlet of conveyor belt 321 detects a sterile package 1 and the inbound platform 41 is in its initial position, rotation is initiated. If the outlet of conveyor belt 321 detects a sterile package 1 but the inbound platform 41 is not in its initial position, the system waits for the inbound platform 41 to return to its initial position.

[0038] In the embodiments of this application, the robotic arm component 31 includes a robotic arm 311 and a camera 312: the robotic arm 311 grasps the sterile package 1 to the entrance of the conveyor belt 321 based on the camera 312 and the entrance detection sensor 322. The camera 312 is responsible for "seeing" and "judging" (perceiving the target position, posture, etc.), providing a basis for grasping decisions; the robotic arm 311 is responsible for "moving" and "executing" (completing grasping and handling according to instructions). The two are coordinated by the control system of the robotic arm 311 to achieve a closed loop from environmental perception to physical operation, ultimately completing precise grasping.

[0039] The activation of the robotic arm component 31 includes, but is not limited to, button triggering, sensor positioning triggering, camera image recognition triggering, and system triggering. The robotic arm component 31 communicates with the system host 2, and uses the inlet detection sensor 322 to determine whether there is a sterile package 1 at the conveyor belt inlet. If there is no sterile package 1, it is transferred to the inlet of the conveyor belt 321. The robotic arm 311 directly grasps and places the package onto the conveyor belt 321. The robotic arm 311 has at least four degrees of freedom. The robotic arm 311 is the actuator, and its main function is to perform physical operations on the target object through the movement of the mechanical structure. It contacts and fixes the target object through an end effector (such as a gripper, suction cup, etc.) to achieve grasping, clamping, or releasing actions.

[0040] For example, the data detection component 33 is positioned above the conveyor belt 321 and can detect the information of the sterile package 1 on the conveyor belt 321. When the sterile package 1 moves on the conveyor belt, the identification module 331 acquires the size and label information of the sterile package 1, the communication module 332 is used for information transmission, and the data detection component 33 transmits the size and label of the sterile package 1 to the system host 2. During the conveyor belt 321 transport, the data detection component 33 acquires the label information and size information of the sterile package 1 on the conveyor belt 321. Based on the size of the sterile package 1 and the idle state of the storage window 51 of the storage module 5, the system host 2 determines which physical location of the sterile package 1 on the conveyor belt 321 should be placed in the storage window 51, triggering the conveyor belt 321 and the warehousing module 4 to transport the sterile package 1 to the corresponding storage window 51. At the same time, the system host 2 binds the label of the sterile package 1 to the number of the storage window 51, knowing which window contains which sterile package. The identification module 331 can be a camera image recognition module.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the storage module 4 includes a storage platform 41, a first horizontal lead screw 42, and a first vertical lead screw 43: the first vertical lead screw 43 is disposed on the side wall of the storage module 5; the first horizontal lead screw 42 cooperates with the first vertical lead screw 43, and the first horizontal lead screw 42 moves along the first vertical lead screw 43; the storage platform 41 is disposed on the first horizontal lead screw 42, and the storage platform 41 moves on the first horizontal lead screw 42; a second transmission assembly 411 is disposed at the bottom of the storage platform 41, and the second transmission assembly 411 causes the sterile package 1 to enter or leave the storage platform 41; a turntable is disposed inside the storage platform 41, and the turntable rotates the storage platform 41.

[0042] The receiving platform 41 is docked at its initial position by default, which is the end of the receiving module 4 closest to the exit of the conveyor belt 321. The initial position of the receiving platform 41 is adjacent to the exit of the conveyor belt 321, and the plane of the receiving platform 41 is slightly lower than the plane of the conveyor belt to facilitate the transfer of the aseptic package 1. When the aseptic package 1 is transferred from the exit of the conveyor belt 321 to the receiving platform 41, the exit of the conveyor belt 321 is slightly higher than the receiving platform 41.

[0043] The receiving platform 41 has two directions of movement, horizontal and vertical, moving to the corresponding storage window 51. The receiving platform 41 uploads its position to the system host 2 in real time. The receiving module 4 starts according to the instructions from the system host 2, first moving the first horizontal lead screw 42 to a suitable position, and then moving the receiving platform 41 to its initial position. When a sterile package 1 is detected at the outlet of the conveyor belt 321, the receiving platform 41, at its initial position, starts rotating the conveyor belt 321. Simultaneously, the second transmission component 411 performs transmission, transferring the sterile package 1 from the outlet of the conveyor belt 321 to the receiving platform 41. At this time, the plane of the receiving platform 41 is slightly lower than the plane of the transmission belt; the transfer of the sterile package 1 from the outlet of the conveyor belt 321 to the receiving platform 41 is achieved through the cooperation of the transmission belt and the second transmission component 411. The receiving module 4 is activated according to the instructions of the system host 2. First, it moves the first horizontal lead screw 42 to a suitable position, and then moves the receiving platform 41 to the front of the designated storage window 51. The sterile package 1 of the receiving platform 41 is transferred to the storage window 51. At this time, the plane of the receiving platform 41 is slightly higher than the first transmission component 52 of the storage window 51. The sterile package 1 of the receiving platform 41 is transferred to the storage window 51 through the cooperation of the second transmission component 411 and the first transmission component 52.

[0044] Based on the size information of the sterile package 1, the system host 2 selects a storage window 51 of appropriate size and sends the instruction to the receiving module 4. Following the instruction from the system host 2, the receiving module 4 first moves the first horizontal lead screw 42 to the appropriate position, and then moves the receiving platform 41 to the corresponding position of the designated storage window 51. The sterile package 1 is then transferred into the storage window 51 via the first transmission component 52 of the storage window 51 and the second transmission component 411 of the receiving platform 41.

[0045] For example, the lead screw can be a ball screw or a trapezoidal lead screw, a mechanical transmission component that precisely converts rotational motion into linear motion. Its core function is to drive the storage platform 41 to achieve precise movement in the "up and down" and "horizontal" directions. When the motor drives the lead screw to rotate, the "nut" on the lead screw will move linearly along the axis of the lead screw, thereby converting the rotational power into the translational force required by the platform. The thread pitch (lead) of the lead screw is fixed. The distance the nut moves per revolution is the lead. With the precise control of the motor (such as a stepper motor or servo motor), the storage platform 41 can be stopped at a specified position with an error controllable to the millimeter or even micrometer level. Compared with belt, gear and other transmission methods, the lead screw transmission has smaller backlash, which can reduce the shaking when the platform moves, ensuring smoother movement and less slippage when driving the storage platform 41.

[0046] In the embodiments of this application, the initial position of the storage platform 41 is set at one end of the storage module 4 near the outlet of the conveyor belt 321: when the outlet detector detects that the sterile package 1 is located at the outlet of the conveyor belt 321 and the storage platform 41 is located at the initial position, the conveyor belt 321 cooperates with the second transmission component 411 of the storage platform 41 to move the sterile package 1 into the storage platform 41; when the storage platform 41 moves to the designated storage window 51 according to the size of the sterile package 1, the turntable rotates the storage platform 41, so that the second transmission component 411 of the storage platform 41 cooperates with the first transmission component 52 of the storage window 51 to move the sterile package 1 into the storage window 51.

[0047] For example, the second transmission component 411 of the receiving platform 41 can be a roller, a conveyor belt, or a push rod. The transmission direction of the second transmission component 411 can be changed. A first limiting structure 412 is provided on one side of the receiving platform 41, and the first limiting structure 412 is located at the end of the receiving platform 41 away from the outlet of the conveyor belt 321. When the receiving platform 41 moves to the initial position, the transmission direction of the second transmission component 411 is the same as the direction of the conveyor belt 321 of the conveyor component 32, transferring the sterile package 1 from the outlet of the conveyor belt 321 to the receiving platform 41. At this time, the first limiting structure 412 blocks the sterile package 1 to prevent the sterilization package from falling. When the receiving platform 41 moves to the designated storage window 51, the turntable rotates the receiving platform 41 by 90 degrees clockwise, so that the first limiting structure 412 moves away from the storage window 51. At this time, the transmission direction of the second transmission component 411 changes, and the transmission direction of the second transmission component 411 is the same as the direction of the first transmission component 52 of the storage window 51, so that the second transmission component 411 of the receiving platform 41 cooperates with the first transmission component 52 of the storage window 51, so that the sterile package 1 moves into the storage window 51.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the outbound module 6 includes an outbound platform 61, a second horizontal lead screw 62, and a second vertical lead screw 63: the second vertical lead screw 63 is disposed on the side wall of the storage module 5; the second horizontal lead screw 62 cooperates with the second vertical lead screw 63, and the second horizontal lead screw 62 moves along the second vertical lead screw 63; the outbound platform 61 is disposed on the second horizontal lead screw 62, and the outbound platform 61 moves on the second horizontal lead screw 62; a third transmission assembly 611 is disposed at the bottom of the outbound platform 61, and the third transmission assembly 611 causes the sterile package 1 to enter or leave the inbound platform 41; a turntable is disposed inside the outbound platform 61, and the turntable rotates the outbound platform 61.

[0049] The outbound platform 61 has two directions of movement, horizontal and vertical, moving to the corresponding storage window 51. The outbound platform 61 uploads its movement position to the system host 2 in real time. The outbound module 6 starts according to the instructions of the system host 2, first moving the second horizontal lead screw 62 to the appropriate position, and then moving the outbound platform 61 to the corresponding position of the designated storage window 51. At this time, the plane of the outbound platform 61 is slightly lower than the first transmission component 52 of the storage window 51. The sterile package 1 in the storage window 51 is transferred to the outbound platform 61 through the first transmission component 52 of the storage window 51 and the third transmission component 611 of the outbound platform 61. The outbound module 6 is activated according to the instructions of the system host 2. First, it moves the second horizontal lead screw 62 to a suitable position, and then moves the outbound platform 61 to one end close to the delivery vehicle 71. The delivery vehicle 71 is transferred to the outbound platform 61. At this time, the plane of the outbound platform 61 is slightly higher than the top of the delivery vehicle 71. The third transmission component 611 moves the sterile package 1 of the outbound platform 61 into the cargo frame of the delivery vehicle 71.

[0050] In this embodiment, when the outbound platform 61 moves to the designated storage window 51 according to the label information of the required sterile package 1, the first transmission component 52 of the storage window 51 cooperates with the third transmission component 611 of the outbound platform 61 to move the sterile package 1 to the outbound platform 61; when the outbound platform 61 moves to the transport module 7, the turntable rotates the outbound platform 61, and the third transmission component 611 of the outbound platform 61 moves the sterile package 1 to the transport module 7.

[0051] For example, the third transmission component 611 of the outbound platform 61 can be a roller, a conveyor belt, or a push rod. The transmission direction of the third transmission component 611 can be changed. A second limiting structure 612 is provided on one side of the outbound platform 61, and the second limiting structure 612 is located at the end of the outbound platform 61 away from the storage window 51. When the outbound platform 61 moves to the designated storage window 51, the transmission direction of the third transmission component 611 is the same as the transmission direction of the first transmission component 52 of the storage window 51, transferring the sterile package 1 of the storage window 51 to the outbound platform 61. At this time, the second limiting structure 612 blocks the sterile package 1 to prevent the sterilization package from falling. When the outbound platform 61 moves to the end of the outbound module 6 close to the delivery vehicle 71, the turntable rotates the outbound platform 61 by 180 degrees, bringing the second limiting structure 612 closer to the window. At this time, the transmission direction of the third transmission component 611 changes, and the transmission direction of the third transmission component 611 is opposite to the direction of the first transmission component 52 of the storage window 51. The delivery vehicle 71 moves to the end of the outbound platform 61 away from the second limit structure 612, and the third transmission component 611 moves the sterile package 1 of the outbound platform 61 into the cargo frame of the delivery vehicle 71.

[0052] In this embodiment, the transportation module 7 includes a delivery vehicle 71 and a charging garage 72: the delivery vehicle 71 includes a cargo frame for holding goods, and the delivery vehicle 71 transports the sterile package 1 in the cargo frame to the operating room; the charging garage 72 is used to charge the delivery vehicle 71.

[0053] The charging garage 72 includes positioning steps 721 and automatic charging piles 722; the positioning steps 721 are used to fix the delivery vehicle 71; the automatic charging piles 722 are used to charge the delivery vehicle 71. The charging garage 72 includes multiple charging spaces. When the delivery vehicle 71 is about to run out of power, the delivery vehicle 71 is parked in the charging garage 72 via the positioning steps 721, and the delivery vehicle 71 is charged via the automatic charging piles 722.

[0054] System host 2, through data integration with the surgical scheduling system, knows the start time, estimated end time, assigned operating room number, and required sterile pack 1 number for each surgery. Based on this information, system host 2 comprehensively evaluates the data and issues sterile pack 1 before the surgery begins. According to the required sterile pack 1 number, system host 2 locates the physical position of storage window 51 and sequentially retrieves sterile pack 1 through the issuing module 6 and places it into the delivery box. After all sterile pack 1 for that surgery has been retrieved and placed into the delivery box, system host 2 dispatches delivery vehicle 71 to deliver it to the designated operating room. After unloading the delivery box into the operating room, delivery vehicle 71 returns to its initial point. After the surgery is completed, system host 2 dispatches delivery vehicle 71 to the operating room to retrieve the sterile pack 1 back to the sterilization supply center. Staff at the sterilization supply center check the number of sterile pack 1 consumed and register it in the CSSD system. The CSSD system calculates the number of sterile pack 1 consumed during the surgery based on the number of issued and returned sterile pack 1, enabling accurate billing for patients.

[0055] Therefore, the automated packing system according to this application embodiment obtains the label information and size information of sterile packages on the conveyor belt through a data detection component. The system host allocates storage windows according to the size information of the sterile packages, and transfers the sterile packages to storage windows of different sizes through the input module and the warehousing module. The system host determines the location of the required sterile package based on the label information of the sterile package and the position information of the storage window, and transfers the sterile package to the operating room through the outbound module and the transportation module. By transferring sterile packages according to surgical needs and labels, the time for manual searching and handling is reduced, the management and distribution efficiency of sterile packages is improved, storage space can be fully utilized, storage is made more rational and efficient, the space utilization rate of storage equipment is improved, and the problem of insufficient storage capacity due to space waste is avoided.

[0056] Although exemplary embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various changes and modifications can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this application. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this application as claimed in the appended claims.

[0057] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed device can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0058] Numerous specific details are set forth in the specification provided herein. However, it will be understood that embodiments of this application may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

[0059] Similarly, it should be understood that, in order to simplify this application and aid in understanding one or more aspects of the invention, features of this application may sometimes be grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof in the description of exemplary embodiments of this application. However, this application should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed application requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the corresponding claims, its inventive point lies in solving the corresponding technical problem with fewer features than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into that detailed description, wherein each claim itself is a separate embodiment of this application.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will understand that, apart from the mutual exclusion of features, any combination can be used to combine all features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) and all processes or units of any such automated dispensing system or device. Unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature that serves the same, equivalent, or similar purpose.

[0061] The above description is merely a specific embodiment or illustration of the embodiments of this application. The scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. The scope of protection of this application shall be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automated order fulfillment system, characterized in that, This includes sterile packaging, system host, input module, warehousing module, storage module, outbound module, and transportation module: A sterile package, wherein the sterile package contains a label, and the label information is transmitted to the system host; The input module includes a robotic arm component, a conveying component, and a data detection component. The robotic arm component grasps the sterile package and places it onto the conveying component; the conveying component includes a conveyor belt, which conveys the sterile package to the conveyor belt outlet; the data detection component includes an identification module and a communication module, the identification module acquires the size and label information of the sterile package, the communication module is used for information transmission, and the data detection component transmits the size and label information of the sterile package to the system host. The inbound module transfers the sterile packages from the conveyor belt exit to the storage module according to the size of the sterile packages. The storage module includes multiple storage windows of different sizes, and the storage module transmits the position information, size information and sterile package label information of the storage windows to the system host. The outbound module transmits the sterile packages in the specified storage window to the transportation module according to the label information of the required sterile packages; The transport module transfers the sterile package to the operating room; The system host is interconnected with the input module, the warehousing module, the storage module, the outbound module, and the transportation module.

2. The automated order fulfillment system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The storage module includes a first surface and a second surface: The inbound module is located on the first side of the storage module, and the outbound module is located on the second side of the storage module.

3. The automated order fulfillment system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A first transmission component is provided at the bottom of the storage window: The first transmission component causes the sterile package to move along the direction from the first surface of the storage module to the second surface of the storage module.

4. The automated order fulfillment system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The inbound module transmits its location information to the system host, and the conveying component further includes an inlet detection sensor and an outlet detection sensor. An entrance detection sensor is installed at the conveyor belt inlet; The conveyor belt outlet is equipped with an outlet detection sensor; The conveyor belt determines whether to rotate based on the position information of the inlet detection sensor, the outlet detection sensor, and the warehousing module.

5. The automated order fulfillment system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The robotic arm components include a robotic arm and a camera: The robotic arm uses the camera and the entrance detection sensor to grab the sterile package and place it at the entrance of the conveyor belt.

6. The automated order fulfillment system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The warehousing module includes an warehousing platform, a first horizontal lead screw, and a first vertical lead screw. The first vertical lead screw is disposed on the side wall of the storage module; The first horizontal lead screw cooperates with the first vertical lead screw, and the first horizontal lead screw moves along the first vertical lead screw; An inbound platform is provided on the first horizontal lead screw, and the inbound platform moves on the first horizontal lead screw; The bottom of the storage platform is equipped with a second transmission component, which enables sterile packages to enter or leave the storage platform. The warehousing platform is equipped with a turntable, which rotates the warehousing platform.

7. The automated order fulfillment system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The initial position of the inbound platform is set at one end of the inbound module near the conveyor belt exit: When the exit detector detects that the sterile package is located at the conveyor belt exit and the storage platform is in the initial position, the second transmission component of the conveyor belt and the storage platform cooperates to move the sterile package into the storage platform; When the receiving platform moves to the designated storage window according to the size of the sterile package, the turntable rotates the receiving platform, so that the second transmission component of the receiving platform cooperates with the first transmission component of the storage window, so that the sterile package moves into the storage window.

8. The automated order fulfillment system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The outbound module includes an outbound platform, a second horizontal lead screw, and a second vertical lead screw. The second vertical lead screw is disposed on the side wall of the storage module; The second horizontal lead screw cooperates with the second vertical lead screw, and the second horizontal lead screw moves along the second vertical lead screw; An outbound platform is provided on the second horizontal lead screw, and the outbound platform moves on the second horizontal lead screw; The bottom of the outbound platform is equipped with a third transmission component, which enables sterile packages to enter or leave the inbound platform. The outbound platform is equipped with a turntable, which rotates the outbound platform.

9. The automated order fulfillment system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, When the outbound platform moves to the designated storage window according to the label information of the required sterile package, the first transmission component of the storage window cooperates with the third transmission component of the outbound platform to move the sterile package to the outbound platform. When the outbound platform moves to the transportation module, the turntable rotates the outbound platform, and the third transmission component of the outbound platform moves the sterile package to the transportation module.

10. The automated order fulfillment system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transportation module includes delivery vehicles and charging garages: The delivery vehicle includes a cargo frame for holding goods, and the delivery vehicle transports the sterile packages in the cargo frame to the operating room; The charging garage is used to charge the delivery vehicle.

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