Plural-Mode Automatic Medicament Packaging With Pouch-Blister Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic medicament dispensing machines are expensive and limited to packaging medicaments in a single type of package, which may not be optimal for all applications, restricting pharmacies from providing the most suitable packaging for patient needs.
Innovation Solution
A plural-mode automatic medicament packaging system that includes an automatic medicament dispensing unit, a pouch packaging unit, and a blister package packaging unit, with a diverter to switch between packaging modes, allowing for both pouch and blister packages to be used, reducing the need for multiple machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic medicament dispensing machines are used, then dispensing and packaging throughput is improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a system where a single automatic dispensing machine can perform multiple packaging functions by accepting different packaging modules. The machine can switch between pouch packaging, blister packaging, and other packaging types, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized machines, thereby reducing overall device cost while maintaining high throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically interchangeable packaging modules that can be attached or detached from the dispensing machine as needed. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different packaging requirements without requiring separate dedicated machines for each packaging type, optimizing resource utilization and reducing capital expenditure
2Device complexity
If single-type packaging is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different patient needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing machine is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of packaging modules. The control system can be programmed to work with different packaging formats, allowing the same machine to serve multiple packaging needs without requiring complex specialized configurations for each package type
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system is divided into separate, independent modules that can be individually selected and attached to the dispensing machine. Each module handles a specific packaging type, and the modular design allows easy replacement and reconfiguration based on patient needs, maintaining system simplicity while enhancing versatility
Data Source
AI summary
A plural-mode automatic medicament packaging system. In embodiments, the system may include an automatic dispensing machine including an automatic medicament dispensing unit and may further include pouch packaging and blister package packaging units. The medicament dispensing unit may include one or more storage and dispensing units which store and dispense medicaments. Medicaments output from the medicament dispensing unit may be packaged in a pouch package by the pouch packaging unit. Alternatively, a diverter may direct medicaments output from the medicament dispensing unit to the pouch package packaging unit for packaging in a blister package. A single automatic medicament packaging system can package medicaments in different types of packaging providing a pharmacy with the opportunity to package medicaments in the form of packaging most appropriate to meet patient needs.