Blister Storage and Dispensing Station with Conductive Singulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blister pack machines experience issues with medication dust accumulation due to electrostatic charges during the separation process, leading to difficult cleaning and potential contamination of unrelated medication portions, especially for sensitive patients.
Innovation Solution
A storage and dispensing station with an electrically conductive separating device and a conducting device, including a slip ring and contact element, to dissipate electrostatic charges to the blister machine, reducing dust adhesion and ensuring smooth medication flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the separating device rotates to separate medication portions, then medication portions are successfully separated and dispensed, but electrostatic charges cause medication dust to accumulate on the separating device and storage container walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrostatic discharge principles to convert the harmful electrostatic charges into a beneficial effect. By providing conductive elements that guide charges to a discharge point, the system intentionally creates controlled electrostatic discharge that prevents uncontrolled charge accumulation. This converts the harmful dust-attracting electrostatic charges into a controlled process that actually protects against dust accumulation by neutralizing charges before they can attract medication particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter of the separating device by introducing conductive elements with different electrical conductivity than the non-conductive storage container. This parameter change allows the separating device to manage electrostatic charges differently, enabling charge dissipation through conductive paths while the rest of the system remains electrically isolated. This selective conductivity modification resolves the dust accumulation problem without affecting the separation function.
2Ease of manufacture
If medication dust accumulates in the storage container, then cleaning becomes more difficult, but the storage container structure remains simple
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrostatic charge management function from the storage container structure by introducing separate conductive elements and charge discharge mechanisms. This allows the storage container to maintain its simple non-conductive structure while the extracted charge management components handle the electrostatic issues. The separation of functions enables easy cleaning of the storage container without being compromised by electrostatic dust attraction.
3Device complexity
If electrostatic charges are not discharged, then the storage and dispensing station operates without additional components, but medication dust may be carried into other components causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the contact means to serve dual purposes: electrical contact for power/control signals and electrostatic charge discharge. The conductive elements are integrated into existing structural components, allowing them to perform both structural support and electrostatic management functions. This universal approach enables charge discharge capability without adding significant complexity to the system.
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 reduces medication dust accumulation, facilitates cleaning, and prevents contamination by grounding the separating device, ensuring reliable and safe medication dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one contact means by means of which the storage and dispensing station can be electrically coupled to a blister machine and by means of which electrical charges can be discharged to the blister machine
Implementation Method 2
the separating device is electrically conductive at least on an outer surface which comes into contact with the medicament portions to be separated, and a conducting device is provided via which the electrically conductive outer surface of the separating device is electrically conductively coupled to the contact means
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a storage and dispensing station for a blister packaging machine for drug portions, in which the deposition of drug dust is reduced. The storage and dispensing station according to the invention comprises a base part (100), at least one contact means (124) with which a storage and dispensing station can be electrically coupled to a blister packaging machine and with which electrical charges can be discharged to a blister packaging machine, a storage container (200) arranged on the base part (100) with a housing (210) enclosing a receiving chamber (202) for drug portions, the housing having a circular cylindrical receiving chamber (211), a base surface (220), and a singulation device (230) rotatably arranged in the circular cylindrical receiving chamber (211) of the housing (210), as well as a drive (110, 111, 112) for moving the singulation device (230).According to the invention, the singulation device (230) is electrically conductive at least at its outer surface (231) which comes into contact with the portions of medicine to be singulated, and a conducting device is provided via which the electrically conductive outer surface (231) of the singulation device (230) is electrically coupled to the contact means (124).