Carousel Vial Presentation Assembly for Secure Exception Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated pharmacy systems for dispensing pharmaceuticals face challenges such as low filling speed and lack of secure closure on containers, as well as inefficiencies in handling exception vials that are unsuitable for distribution due to issues like incorrect labeling or uncapped vials.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a carousel with a servomotor and controller that selectively presents objects for retrieval, including an exception vial assembly to manage and present unsuitable vials to operators, ensuring secure handling and easy access while maintaining vial stability during rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a robotic arm or carrier moves vials within the system, then automation efficiency is improved, but exception vials may be uncapped or loosely capped causing tablets to spill
Solution Approach 1:
A detector is introduced as an intermediary between the robotic arm and the vial to sense whether the vial is properly capped before the robotic arm retrieves it. This detector prevents the robotic arm from retrieving uncapped or loosely capped vials, thereby avoiding tablet spillage while maintaining automation efficiency.
2Speed
If the carousel rotates continuously to present objects, then retrieval speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel rotates periodically rather than continuously. It rotates to present objects to the retrieval station, pauses to allow retrieval, and then rotates again only when needed. This periodic rotation maintains retrieval speed while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous rotation.
3Ease of operation
If the carousel is made accessible from the exterior for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but vials may be accidentally disturbed or spilled
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting and securing exception vials in a designated exception area before they can be accidentally disturbed. The detector identifies uncapped or loosely capped vials and directs them to a secure exception area, preventing accidental disturbance during exterior access operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for selectively presenting objects includes: a frame; a carousel rotatably mounted to the frame for rotation about a generally vertical axis of rotation, the carousel including a plurality of object compartments arranged about the axis of rotation; a servomotor operably connected with the carousel, the servomotor being configured to rotate the carousel about the axis of rotation; and a controller. The controller is configured to actuate the servomotor to rotate the carousel when torque applied to the servomotor exceeds a predetermined magnitude. Such an assembly can serve as a presentation device that enables an operator to remove objects therefrom at his/her convenience.