Soft Gelatin Capsule Printing During Forming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for printing on soft gelatin capsules are limited as they either require pre-printing the gelatin ribbon, leading to overlapping or diffusion of symbols during capsule expansion, or involve time-consuming and expensive post-forming printing processes, which are unsuitable for larger symbols.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that integrates printing means within the injection and casting station, using inked printing rollers to print predetermined figures or symbols directly onto the capsule surface as it forms, ensuring precise placement and alignment without additional alignment components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If printing is performed on the gelatin ribbon prior to capsule formation, then symbols can be applied to the capsule surface, but the symbols may overlap or diffuse during capsule expansion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting process integrationVSAvoidsymbol placement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of printing on the ribbon before formation (conventional approach), the invention inverts the sequence by printing on the inner wall of the cast after the capsule has formed. The capsule surface then contacts the pre-printed cast wall, transferring the symbols to the capsule. This inversion eliminates symbol diffusion during expansion while maintaining precise placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The cast inner wall serves as an intermediary medium that carries the printed symbols. The capsule surface contacts this intermediary to receive the printed marks, rather than printing directly on the expanding capsule or the original ribbon. This intermediary approach ensures precise symbol transfer without distortion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If printing is performed after capsule formation, then symbol placement precision can be improved, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesymbol placement precisionVSAvoidcapsule formation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the printing operation with the capsule formation process by integrating the printing station into the existing forming line. The cast inner wall is prepared with symbols as part of the formation sequence, eliminating separate printing steps. This combination maintains high precision while preserving production speed and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The symbols are preliminarily printed on the cast inner wall before the capsule formation process begins. This preliminary preparation allows the symbols to be ready for transfer during capsule formation, eliminating the need for post-formation printing operations and maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If larger symbols are printed on the gelatin ribbon, then more information can be conveyed, but the symbols will overlap or become diffuse during capsule expansion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesymbol information capacityVSAvoidsymbol clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the printing sequence and printing on the cast wall after capsule formation, larger symbols can be printed without fear of diffusion. The capsule surface contacts the pre-printed wall, transferring large clear symbols to the capsule. This approach maximizes information capacity while maintaining symbol clarity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables precise and efficient printing of symbols on soft gelatin capsules during the encapsulation process, preventing overlapping and diffusion, and reducing operational costs by integrating printing directly into the capsule formation process.

Implementation Method 1

the ribbons are thermally sealed with each other to isolate the product in between them

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal sealing:

Implementation Method 2

as they swell up the product becomes trapped between the cavities formed by the roller casts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGelatin expansion:

Implementation Method 3

the surface of the soft gelatin capsule contacts the inner wall of the cast, which has been prepared with printing figures or signs and previously inked, for the surface area of the soft gelatin capsule to be printed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectContact printing transfer:

Data Source

PatentUS8739698B2Method and apparatus for printing on soft gelatin capsules during forming

Publication Date: 2014.06.03 PROCAPS

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for printing on the surface of soft gelatin capsules during filling. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for printing a pre-determined figure or symbol on the surface of a soft gelatin capsule while a product is being encapsulated, including means for transporting the gelatin ribbon, inking means and means for shaping the soft capsule, including an injection, molding and die-cutting station and additional printing means.