Handheld Capsule Orienter With Antistatic Sheet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capsule orienting devices are cumbersome, require frequent tool-based changes for different capsule sizes, and often result in capsules getting stuck due to static forces, leading to reduced efficiency and operator fatigue.

Innovation Solution

A handheld capsule orienting device with a sheet component and base component that allows for tool-free and screw-free change parts, featuring an antistatic sheet and a loose-fitting mechanism to prevent static issues, enabling the orientation of more capsules per cycle with reduced operator effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sheet component is screw fitted or snap fitted to the orienter base, then the assembly is secure and stable, but the device becomes heavy and requires tools for changing parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidtool-free change parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate modular components: the orienter base and the sheet component (top sheet, bottom sheet, sliding sheet). Each can be independently changed without tools, allowing quick size adjustments while maintaining secure operation during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sheet component is designed to be dynamically changeable without tools. The loose-fitting mechanism allows the sheet component to be easily removed and replaced by operators without requiring screwdrivers or other tools, enabling quick adaptation to different capsule sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the sheet component and base component are tightly assembled, then the structure is stable, but capsules get stuck due to static forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstatic electricity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An antistatic sheet is introduced as an intermediary layer between the sheet component and the base component. This antistatic sheet prevents static electricity from building up, eliminating the harmful effect of capsules sticking while maintaining the necessary structural stability for operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical properties of the base component are changed by adding the antistatic sheet, which modifies the surface characteristics to prevent static charge accumulation. This parameter change eliminates the sticking problem without affecting mechanical stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If profile notches are provided to accommodate double blind capsules, then such capsules can be filled, but the number of capsules separated and filled per cycle is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapsule type accommodationVSAvoidcapsules per cycle
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding sheet is designed to be movable between different positions, allowing dynamic adjustment of the capsule handling configuration. This enables the same device to efficiently handle different capsule types including double blind capsules without being limited by fixed profile notches, maintaining high productivity across various capsule formats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution enhances the efficiency of capsule orientation by allowing more capsules to be oriented per cycle, reduces operator fatigue, and prevents capsules from sticking, thereby improving handling and processing speed.

Implementation Method 1

capsules get stuck to the base due to the static force during orientation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStatic electricity: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP2561851B1A device for filling soluble containers with an improved assembly for orienting and filling capsules
Publication Date: 2016.04.27 TAHIL RAJ VIKRAM
  • EP2561851B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2561851B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2561851B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for filling soluble containers such as capsules wherein the device comprises an assembly for orienting the capsules and an assembly for filling capsules. The assembly for orienting the capsules comprises at least one sheet component (104) for orienting capsules and at least one base component (102) for guiding the oriented capsules there through. The sheet component (104) further comprises a plurality of sheets (116, 118, 120) with plurality of slots (122, 124) therein to receive and align the capsules in the required orientation. The present invention thus provides for an improved handheld orienter (200) assembly that can orient more number of capsules per cycle.