Automated Blister Pack Dispensing System with UPC Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems lack an efficient and automated method for dispensing blister-packaged pharmaceuticals and other items, which are prone to human errors due to their irregular shapes and sizes, and current apparatuses are not designed to handle these variations effectively.
Innovation Solution
An article dispensing system comprising a movable carrier with article supports, a system controller, a pick head, and an article scanning station that automates the selection and dispensing of blister-packaged items by identifying and verifying the correct product through UPC scanning, ensuring accurate and efficient distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual dispensing methods are used for blister-packaged items, then human operators can handle the irregular shapes and sizes, but human errors increase and dispensing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the automated dispensing machine independently identifies, selects, and dispenses blister-packaged items without human intervention. The scanner reads product codes, the controller automatically selects the correct hanger and item, and the pick head dispenses the product, eliminating human error while maintaining high speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical selection process with an automated control system. Instead of human operators visually identifying and selecting items, the system uses optical scanners to read product codes, electronic controllers to process selection logic, and automated pick heads to physically retrieve and dispense items, substituting mechanical human operation with automated electromechanical systems.
2Productivity
If automated systems are designed for regular-shaped items, then dispensing speed increases, but they cannot accommodate irregular blister-packaged products
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by designing the pick head and hanger mechanism to handle multiple types of products with irregular shapes and sizes. The pick head is configured with adjustable features that can accommodate different blister pack dimensions, and the hanger system can hold various product configurations, allowing one automated system to dispense diverse pharmaceutical products efficiently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If human operators manually select and dispense medications, then flexibility in handling various products is maintained, but human errors and workload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where scanners read product codes on blister packs, the controller processes this information to verify correct item selection, and the system can detect and correct errors before dispensing. This closed-loop feedback ensures high reliability by continuously monitoring and verifying the dispensing process, eliminating human error while maintaining flexibility through programmable adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An article dispensing system is provided which can be customized to selectively store and dispense multiple desired articles to suitable containers. The system of the invention is particularly relevant for items which can be stored on hangers in a vertical format and dispensed therefrom.