Capsule Filling Machine Station Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capsule filling machines in the pharmaceutical industry face limitations in compactness and process control due to limited station positions, requiring multiple handling stations for different products and increased control measures, which reduces available positions and leads to contamination and product loss.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a capsule separation device and a capsule presence device at a common station, using a vacuum generator and capacitive sensors to separate and detect capsule parts, allowing for increased station positions without additional space, enabling efficient filling and reducing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple handling stations are arranged on the conveying wheel to meet market requirements and process control needs, then the functionality and adaptability of the capsule filling machine are improved, but the compactness of the machine deteriorates due to limited station positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the capsule separation device and capsule presence device into a single common station on the conveying wheel. This merging of two separate handling steps into one station increases the number of available station positions, allowing for greater machine adaptability without expanding the machine footprint. The combined station performs both separation of capsule parts and presence detection, resolving the contradiction between functionality and compactness.
2Area of stationary object
If the capsule separation device and capsule presence device are integrated at a common station, then the compactness and space utilization of the machine are improved, but the device complexity increases due to integration of multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The common station is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a capsule separation station and a capsule presence detection station. The capsule separation device uses a vacuum generator to separate capsule parts, while the capsule presence device uses a sensor to detect capsule presence. This universal station design improves space utilization by combining functions that would otherwise require separate stations, while the modular integration keeps complexity manageable through standardized components.
3Area of stationary object
If the capsule presence device is disposed below the lower capsule part, then the compactness of the machine is improved, but the measurement precision may deteriorate due to potential interference or detection difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule presence device uses a sensor as an intermediary detection element positioned below the lower capsule part. The sensor detects capsule presence through non-contact means, allowing for compact vertical arrangement while maintaining detection accuracy. The sensor acts as a mediator that can accurately detect capsule presence from a distance, eliminating the need for direct contact or complex mechanical detection mechanisms that would compromise compactness.
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 configuration enhances the compactness of the machine, increases available station positions, and prevents contamination by ensuring accurate capsule presence detection, thereby improving process control and reducing product loss.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum generator generates a negative pressure or a vacuum, which communicates with the lower capsule part. As a result, the lower capsule part can be separated from the upper capsule part
Implementation Method 2
the sensor for detecting a presence of the capsule is a capacitive sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a capsule filling machine for filling a capsule (20), which comprises an upper capsule part (21) and a lower capsule part (22). Said capsule filling machine comprises a plurality of separate stations for handling the capsules (20) and a capsule separation device (30) and a capsule presence device (40), the capsule separation device (30) and the capsule presence device (40) being integrated into a common station (2).