Capsule Weight Control Rotary Balance Mechanism
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for filling and controlling the weight of pharmaceutical capsules face issues with precision, contamination risk, complexity, maintenance costs, and variability in capsule sizes, leading to potential errors in dosing and weight measurement.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a redesigned weight detection system that uses non-contact sensors, such as capacitive or radiation detectors, positioned to avoid contamination and minimize contact with the substances, allowing for precise and independent calibration of the lid and bottom weights, with separate dosing and weighing stations for accurate weight control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a capacitive transducer is used inside the measuring chamber to weigh the bottom and its content, then weight measurement is possible, but measurement precision deteriorates due to errors of imprecision when measuring very low weight values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the capacitive transducer (electrical field-based sensing) with a rotary balance mechanism (mechanical sensing). The rotary balance uses a pointer and scale system that mechanically amplifies small weight differences, providing reliable and precise measurements even for very low weight values without the imprecision issues of capacitive sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotary balance as an intermediary mechanism between the bottom and the measurement system. Instead of directly measuring the weight with a capacitive transducer, the rotary balance converts the weight into rotational movement of a pointer, which can then be accurately read on a scale, thereby improving measurement precision and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the measuring chamber is open at the top to allow introduction of substances, then substance introduction is possible, but contamination risk increases due to environmental dust or substance dust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary weighing of the empty bottom before substance introduction. This allows the system to account for the bottom's weight separately, and the open-top design can be temporarily closed or protected during the weighing process, then opened only when needed for substance introduction, minimizing contamination exposure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the weighing function from the substance introduction function by using a rotary mechanism that brings different chambers to the weighing position only when needed. The bottom is weighed separately before substance addition, and the chamber can be protected during non-operational periods, reducing overall contamination risk while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the capacitive transducer is rotary together with the wheel to enable weighing at different positions, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases and maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a rotary balance with a pointer that copies the weight measurement onto a stationary scale. Instead of having a complex rotary transducer, the system uses a simple mechanical pointer that rotates to indicate weight on a fixed scale, greatly simplifying the device construction while maintaining the ability to measure at different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sensing function from the rotary mechanism itself. The rotary balance arm and pointer serve only to transfer the weight information to a stationary scale, separating the measurement function from the rotation function. This reduces device complexity and makes maintenance easier compared to a rotary transducer.
4Ease of operation
If the same measuring position is used for weighing the empty bottom and the filled bottom, then operational simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to cumulative weight errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary weighing of the empty bottom at a specific position on the rotary balance, records this value, then introduces substances and weighs again at the same position. The rotary balance's mechanical design ensures consistent positioning, and the system calculates the substance weight by subtracting the preliminary measurement, achieving precise weight control while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 provides precise, accurate, and cost-effective weight control for pharmaceutical capsules, reducing contamination risks and maintenance costs while ensuring reliable data transmission and easy integration with existing machines.
Implementation Method 1
a weighing device is provided comprising a bushing having a capacitive transducer inside it which functions as a weight sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A method to control the weight of one or more substances introduced in sequence into specific capsules (30) for pharmaceutical purposes, each of the specific capsules (30) consisting at least of a specific bottom (19) and a specific lid (20), comprises at least a main step in which at least the specific bottom (19) is moved from a low position for the introduction of the dose, to a high position for controlling the weight, in which the specific bottom (19) is weighed, or its weight is controlled, by a specific weight detector sensor (25.1, 25.2, 25.3, 25.4) at least partly conformed as a cylinder.