Barrier-Controlled Conveyor Synchronization for Pharmacy Pack Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated storage and picking systems face inefficiencies in hospital and nursing home pharmacies, where packs of pharmaceutical packages are frequently mixed up due to varying transport routes and intervals, leading to longer retrieval times and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a holding device with a barrier on the belt conveyor, controlled by a control device, to separate and synchronize the transport of packs, ensuring that each pack is delivered to a designated bin efficiently, transforming continuous transport into a more discontinuous stream of packs for faster delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous transport of packs on belt conveyor is used, then throughput is maintained, but packs become mixed up due to varying transport routes and intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier on the belt conveyor operates periodically to alternately block and release packs, transforming continuous transport into discrete, synchronized batches. This periodic action ensures packs are delivered in organized groups to designated bins, preventing mix-ups while maintaining efficient throughput through controlled intermittent stopping.
2Reliability
If barrier is positioned to block packs on belt conveyor, then pack mix-ups are prevented, but transport time increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the barrier blocks packs temporarily, the system maintains continuity by synchronizing multiple belt conveyors to operate in parallel and by quickly releasing packs in coordinated batches. This minimizes idle time and ensures the blocking action does not significantly extend overall transport time while reliably preventing pack mix-ups.
3Productivity
If multiple belt conveyors operate in parallel, then productivity increases, but synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses a universal synchronization approach where the control device coordinates all multiple belt conveyors through a common timing and positioning logic. This multi-functional control strategy manages the parallel conveyors efficiently, handling synchronization, barrier coordination, and pack routing through a unified system that scales with the number of conveyors.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated storing and picking system for packaged goods is provided. The system includes storage shelves with storage areas, at least one storage and retrieval apparatus, and at least one conveyor belt. At least one blocking device having a barrier is arranged downstream of a receiving section of the conveyor belt. A control device controls the storage and retrieval apparatus and the conveyor belt such that the packaged goods belonging to a first pack are transported to a first dispensing location and the packaged goods belonging to a subsequent pack are transported to a second dispensing location and/or are subsequently transported to the first dispensing location, such that the first pack lies downstream of the subsequent pack on the conveyor belt. The control device controls the blocking device to accumulate the first pack behind the barrier, release the first pack for transport, and to then accumulate the subsequent pack behind the barrier.