Blister Card Transfer Fixture Tablet Placement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preparing multi-dose blister cards are time-consuming, prone to human error, and costly, whether they involve manual labor or complex machines, due to the need for precise placement and verification of multiple drug doses in each blister.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a transfer fixture that guides tablets from one blister card to another, using passageways and angled feed tubes to control the flow and placement of tablets into multi-dose blisters, allowing for efficient and automated filling of blister cards with specific configurations for different prescriptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual placement of drugs by a trained technician is used, then placement accuracy can be maintained, but the process is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetablet placement accuracyVSAvoidfilling speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses automated mechanisms where the blister card itself guides the tablet placement process through its structural features (blister cavities, sealing layers) working in conjunction with the filling machine's mechanical systems to automatically deposit tablets without human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical placement system with an automated filling machine that uses controlled mechanical movements, positioning mechanisms, and deposition systems to automatically place tablets in each blister cavity with precision matching or exceeding manual placement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If complex automated machines are used to fill blister cards, then filling speed increases, but the hardware and software complexity increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling speedVSAvoidmachine complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filling system is divided into modular components including the blister card holder, tablet deposition mechanism, positioning systems, and verification subsystems, allowing each module to perform a specific function independently and reducing overall system complexity through standardized modules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filling machine is designed with universal capabilities to handle different blister card configurations, tablet types, and prescription requirements through adjustable mechanisms and reconfigurable components, eliminating the need for multiple specialized machines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a licensed pharmacist personally reviews and confirms each blister card, then accuracy and safety are ensured, but the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprescription accuracyVSAvoidverification time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates verification mechanisms that provide immediate feedback on tablet placement accuracy, blister sealing integrity, and prescription compliance, allowing for real-time detection and correction of errors without requiring manual verification of each individual blister

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection by pharmacists with automated verification systems using sensors, detection mechanisms, and validation algorithms that automatically check for placement accuracy, proper sealing, and prescription compliance, significantly reducing verification time while maintaining or improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces human error and costs by enabling efficient, automated filling of multi-dose blister cards with precise control over tablet placement, improving the speed and accuracy of filling prescriptions.

Implementation Method 1

guiding each of the plurality of tablets comprises generating friction between the plurality of tablets and the transfer fixture, thereby controlling the speed at which the plurality of tablets travel along the plurality of passageways

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8943780B1Method and system for verification of product transfer from an intermediate loading cartridge to a multi-container blister pack

Publication Date: 2015.02.03 WALGREEN CO

AI summary

A method of transferring a plurality of tablets of a product from a first blister card comprising a first plurality of blisters to a second blister card comprising a second plurality of blisters includes discharging the plurality of tablets from the first plurality of blisters of the first blister card. Then, each of the plurality of tablets are guided along one of a plurality of passageways defined by a transfer fixture positioned between the first blister card and the second blister card. Finally, the plurality of tablets are received in the second plurality of blisters of the second blister card. The method includes monitoring the selection and configuration of product loading cartridges to a filling machine and monitoring the transfer of product from an intermediate card to a blister card.