Modular Capsule Filling System with Rotatable Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional capsule filling systems are cumbersome, require constant monitoring, and are expensive to maintain, making them inefficient for filling capsules of various sizes and shapes.

Innovation Solution

A capsule filling system comprising a first housing, a first rotatable member, a second housing, and a base, where the rotatable members are moveable between positions to align passageways for cooperative diameters, allowing for the filling and sealing of capsules with reduced manual labor and equipment needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If large automated capsule filling systems are used, then filling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule filling efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capsule filling system is divided into separate functional modules: a first housing for capsule reception, a second housing for material dispensing, and a base for support. Each module performs a specific function independently, allowing for simpler individual components that collectively achieve efficient capsule filling without requiring a single complex automated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If large automated capsule filling systems are used, then filling efficiency is improved, but maintenance cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule filling efficiencyVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into modular housings and components that can be easily separated, accessed, and maintained independently. The first housing, second housing, and base are distinct modules that can be serviced separately, reducing maintenance complexity and cost compared to integrated automated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The capsule filling process is designed to be manually operable with simple mechanisms that do not require specialized technical knowledge for operation or maintenance. Users can directly manipulate the housings and components to load capsules and materials, making the system self-service friendly and reducing dependency on expensive professional maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional capsule filling devices are used, then material can be introduced into capsules, but operational monitoring is required constantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial introduction capabilityVSAvoidoperational monitoring requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows users to directly load capsules into the first housing and materials into the second housing without requiring constant monitoring or intervention. The modular design enables users to independently perform loading and filling operations, making the system autonomous in its basic operations and eliminating the need for continuous supervisory attention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional capsule filling devices are used, then capsules can be filled, but working space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule filling capabilityVSAvoidworking space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The first housing and second housing are designed to nest together vertically, with the first housing positioned above the second housing. This nested arrangement allows both functional modules to occupy minimal horizontal space while maintaining full operational capability for capsule reception, material dispensing, and sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a horizontal layout to a vertical stacking arrangement, utilizing the vertical dimension to accommodate multiple functional housings. This dimensional change reduces the horizontal footprint and working space requirements while preserving all necessary filling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10071021B2Capsule filling systems and methods of using a capsule filling system

Publication Date: 2018.09.11 MAXOCAP CORP

AI summary

Capsule filling systems and methods of using a capsule filling system to fill one or more capsules are described herein. An example embodiment of a capsule filling system comprises a first housing, a first rotatable member, a second housing, a second rotatable member, a hinge, and a base. The first housing defines a first housing cavity and the second housing defines a second housing cavity. The first rotatable member is disposed within the first housing cavity. The second rotatable member is disposed within the second housing cavity. Movement of the first rotatable member between its first and second positions provides a mechanism for releasably attaching a first member of a capsule to the capsule filling system. Movement of the second rotatable member between its first and second positions provides a mechanism for releasably attaching a second member of a capsule to the capsule filling system.