Chute Assembly Agitation Unit for Tablet Jamming Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated pharmaceutical dispensing systems face issues with tablet jamming in chutes and lack of dispensing restrictions, which hinder efficient and secure dispensing of medications.
Innovation Solution
A chute assembly with an agitation unit is integrated into the dispensing system, featuring a sliding sleeve and door mechanism that imparts energy to objects as they are dispensed, preventing jamming and allowing for controlled dispensing through a combination of mechanical and vibratory actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If tablets are stored in the chute for dispensing, then dispensing automation is achieved, but tablet jamming occurs in the chute
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vibration mechanism that generates vibratory motion within the chute to prevent tablet jamming. The vibration causes tablets to move more freely along the chute surface, eliminating the sticking problem while maintaining automated dispensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic vibratory action through a vibration mechanism that operates in cycles. This periodic vibration continuously prevents tablet accumulation and jamming in the chute, ensuring reliable dispensing operation.
2Productivity
If the chute is open for dispensing, then tablets can be dispensed, but control and restriction on dispensing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable door assembly that can dynamically transition between closed and open positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to control when dispensing occurs, providing both speed and control by opening the door only when needed for dispensing and closing it otherwise.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly acts as an intermediary element between the chute and the dispensing point. It mediates the dispensing process by controlling access to the tablets, allowing controlled release while maintaining security and preventing unauthorized or excessive dispensing.
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 effectively prevents tablet jamming and allows for secure, efficient dispensing of pharmaceuticals into vials, enhancing the reliability and control of automated dispensing processes.
Implementation Method 1
an agitation unit coupled to the dispensing assembly, the agitation unit configured to impart energy to objects staged in the bottom end of the sleeve as the sleeve moves to the dispensing position
Data Source
AI summary
A chute assembly for a system configured to dispense objects from a bulk supply of such objects includes: an elongate chute having an open bottom end; a dispensing assembly slidably mounted to a bottom end portion of the chute, the dispensing assembly including a sleeve that receives the bottom end portion of the chute and a door mounted thereto, the sleeve being slidable between a staging position, in which the door covers the bottom end of the chute and thereby stages objects in the bottom end portion of the chute, and a dispensing position, in which the door moves away from the bottom end of the chute to enable objects staged in the bottom end portion of the chute to be dispensed from the chute; and an agitation unit coupled to the dispensing assembly, the agitation unit configured to impart energy to objects staged in the bottom end of the sleeve as the sleeve moves to the dispensing position.