Blister Pack Transfer Unit with Dual-Axis Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing transfer systems for blister packs in pharmaceutical packaging are inefficient, leading to reduced throughput and alignment issues during the transfer from the punching station to the conveyor.
Innovation Solution
A transfer unit with moveable transfer arms featuring a combination of rotary movements about two axes, allowing for precise and efficient transfer of blister packs while rotating them 90° or 270° to maintain a consistent flat side orientation, and optionally using two transfer arms to manage multiple blister packs in a space-saving manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional transfer systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the throughput is reduced and alignment issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer arm is divided into two rotatable segments: a first segment that rotates about a first axis, and a second segment that rotates about a second axis. This segmentation allows independent control of each rotational movement, enabling precise positioning and orientation control of blister packs while maintaining high throughput capability
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer system employs dynamic rotational movements about two different axes rather than fixed linear transfer. The first segment rotates about a first axis, and the second segment rotates about a second axis, creating a flexible, adaptable transfer mechanism that can efficiently handle blister packs with consistent orientation
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional transfer methods are used, then the device is simple, but the orientation consistency of blister packs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer arm is divided into two rotatable segments: a first segment that rotates about a first axis, and a second segment that rotates about a second axis. This segmentation allows independent control of each rotational movement, enabling precise positioning and orientation control of blister packs
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer mechanism combines two rotational movements about different axes into a composite motion system. The combination of first segment rotation and second segment rotation creates a coordinated motion pattern that ensures blister packs are transferred with consistent orientation (flat side up) while accommodating the required 90° or 270° rotation
3Productivity
If fast transfer is implemented, then throughput improves, but transfer reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer system employs dynamic rotational movements about two different axes rather than fixed linear transfer. The coordinated rotation of the first segment about the first axis and the second segment about the second axis enables fast yet reliable transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The control system coordinates the rotational movements of both segments to ensure the blister pack is picked up from above with one flat side facing upwards and placed at the dispensing position with the same flat side facing upwards, maintaining orientation consistency and transfer reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
In the method for transferring blister packs (4, 6) from a receiving position (22, 23) to a dispensing position (26, 27, 29), the blister packs (4, 6) are rotated by means of a transfer unit (14) about a fixed first axis (A1) and about a movable second axis (A2, A2'), which is arranged at an angle of 45° or 135° to the first axis (A1). The rotation of the second axis (A2, A2') is guided. The blister packs (4, 6) are gripped from above at the receiving position (22, 23) and also placed from above at the dispensing position (26, 27, 29). After placement, the blister packs (4, 6) are rotated 90° or 270° about their center point.