Automated Repackaging Equipment for Random Pharmaceutical Product Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing re-packaging equipment for pharmaceutical and medical products requires products to be loaded in an orderly configuration, leading to inefficiencies and operational complications, as well as the need for frequent changes of gripping tools, resulting in wasted time and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automated equipment system that includes a robot for random product loading, a movable support plane for product arrangement, camera detection for position identification, and a combination of suction and plier mechanisms for handling and cutting, allowing for flexible handling of different product types without separating them from primary packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If products are loaded in an orderly configuration manually prepared by operators, then the packaging process can be controlled, but considerable time is wasted by staff and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical arrangement of products with an automated vision-guided robot system. The camera detects product positions, the controller processes this information, and the robot automatically picks and places products in the required configuration, eliminating manual labor and associated time losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the equipment to automatically detect, identify, and arrange products without human intervention. The camera and controller work together to guide the robot in autonomously organizing products in random configurations, making the system self-sufficient for the loading task.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gripping tools are changed frequently to treat products of different configuration, then various product types can be handled, but operational complications increase and working time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal gripping tool designed to handle multiple product configurations without requiring changes. The gripper is engineered with adjustable or adaptive features that allow it to accommodate different product types, sizes, and shapes, eliminating the need for frequent tool changes while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping tool incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to adapt its configuration in real-time based on the product being handled. This dynamic adaptability enables the same tool to effectively grasp and manipulate various product configurations without manual intervention or tool changes.
3Productivity
If products are separated from primary packaging before repackaging, then the repackaging process can be performed, but additional time and operational steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and planning of the repackaging process while products remain in their primary packaging. The camera captures images of products in packaging, the controller identifies positions and configurations, and the robot is programmed to handle them accordingly, eliminating the need to separate products before the repackaging process begins.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easy and efficient loading, handling, and packaging of various products in random configurations, reducing the need for frequent tool changes and enabling the use of intact products, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
said means, or robot, for transferring the products comprise means for holding the product by suction
Implementation Method 2
said means, or robot, for transferring the products comprise means for gripping the product with pliers, in particular with cutting action
Data Source
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AI summary
An equipment (10) for packaging products, and in particular for re-packaging products that have already been previously packaged, in view of promoting, or to promote, a corresponding use of said products, said products being in particular products for pharmaceutical or medical use, or the like, for example, said products being in the form of a blister, in particular containing respective pharmaceutical forms, i.e., in the form of packages, such as boxes, containing a respective article or a drug, i.e., in the form of other articles, by way of example vials, syringes for injections or other, possibly inserted in corresponding containers, especially in the form of pouches, and being preferably usable, preferably in a re-packaged form, by corresponding entities, such as hospitals or the like, for the therapeutic treatment, especially of people. The equipment comprises means (12) for loading the products in the equipment, means (16) for discharging the same products packaged by the equipment, and means (18) for controlling the equipment, in particular in the form of corresponding electronic processing means. Said loading means (12) are adapted to receive said products to be packaged in a random loading configuration.