Automated Blister Strip Division via 3D Sensor and Laser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual division of blister strips is time-consuming and cost-intensive, making it inefficient for automated blister packaging machines to distribute drug portions effectively in retirement and nursing homes, and hospitals.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a 3D sensor device to generate an image of the blister strip, with a control device evaluating the image and calculating control signals for a separator to automatically divide the blister strip into multiple parts, ensuring precise separation without damaging the drug portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual division of blister strips is used, then the drug portions can be individually packaged, but the process is time-consuming and cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical division with an automated laser-based division system. The laser separator automatically divides the blister strip into individual parts based on 3D sensor data, eliminating manual labor while maintaining precision. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated optical-mechanical systems resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacture and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the machine automatically detects, plans, and executes the division of blister strips without human intervention. The 3D sensor captures the blister strip geometry, the control unit processes the data to determine optimal cutting paths, and the laser separator autonomously performs the division, making the system self-sufficient and highly productive.
2Productivity
If automated blister packaging machines are used, then packaging efficiency increases, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated packaging system is divided into distinct functional modules: a 3D sensor device for capturing blister strip geometry, a control unit for processing data and generating cutting paths, and a laser separator for execution. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, managing overall system complexity through modular design while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses variable parameters such as laser power, scanning speed, and focal position that can be dynamically adjusted based on the detected blister strip characteristics. This flexibility allows the machine to adapt to different blister pack types without requiring complete redesign, managing complexity through programmable parameter control rather than mechanical reconfiguration.
3Productivity
If a laser separator is used to divide the blister strip, then the division speed increases, but there is a risk of damaging the drug portions due to heat
Solution Approach 1:
The laser separator applies heat locally and precisely only at the separation lines between blister compartments, rather than heating the entire blister strip. The 3D sensor data enables the control unit to calculate exact cutting paths that pass through the foil layers between drug portions, concentrating thermal energy only where needed for separation while leaving the drug-containing compartments unaffected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces potential mechanical contact methods that might physically damage drug portions with a non-contact laser separation process. The laser divides the blister strip through controlled thermal ablation of the sealing layers without physical contact, eliminating mechanical stress and contact-related damage risks while maintaining high division speed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the 3D sensor device and separator are movable along two different axes, then the system can handle varied blister strip arrangements, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic positioning where both the 3D sensor device and laser separator can move independently along two different axes (X and Y). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to various blister strip layouts, orientations, and sizes by adjusting the positions of these components programmatically, providing versatility through controlled motion rather than fixed mechanical configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable sensor and separator components serve multiple functions: they can scan different areas of the blister strip, adjust to various drug portion arrangements, and handle different pack sizes. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated movable platform that carries both components, reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate fixed systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for dividing a blister strip having a plurality of blister-packaged drugs apportioned into separate sections of the blister strip is provided. A blister strip with a substrate having a plurality of depressions for drug portions is provided and an image of the substrate is generated by a 3D-sensor device. A control device evaluates the image with image analysis. Based on the analysis results, an arrangement of the depressions is determined and control signals for a separating device are generated. The blister strip is then divided into a plurality of blister strip parts based on the control signals. A blister strip dividing device is also provided.