Pharmaceutical Container Conveyor Discharge via Blocking and Edge Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices for pharmaceutical containers require manual intervention to discharge containers, necessitating the opening of machine guards, which is inconvenient and poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with movable blocking and edge elements, controlled by a drive unit, allows for automated discharge of containers without opening machine guards, using a blocking element to block containers within the path and an edge element to create a discharging opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of discharge points is used, then containers can be discharged from the transport device, but the machine guard must be opened which poses safety risks and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated discharge of containers through the discharging device without requiring manual intervention or opening of the machine guard. The control unit automatically actuates the discharging mechanism to remove containers from the transport device, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for operator exposure to moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharging device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the containers and the external environment. It provides a controlled interface that allows container removal while keeping the machine guard closed, mediating between the need for discharge and the requirement for safety protection.
2Productivity
If manual intervention is required to discharge containers, then containers can be removed, but the process becomes less automated and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically controls the discharging device to remove containers from the transport device without manual intervention. The system monitors its own operation and autonomously executes the discharge sequence, enabling self-service operation that eliminates the need for operators to manually open guards and remove containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of opening machine guards and manually removing containers is replaced by an automated control system that actuates the discharging device. This substitution of automated control for manual mechanical operation increases both the extent of automation and productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the machine guard is opened for manual operation, then access to discharge points is gained, but safety risks increase and operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages the discharge process through the closed machine guard, eliminating the need for operators to perform the complex sequence of opening guards, accessing discharge points, and removing containers. The self-service automation simplifies the operation procedure to a single automated action.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharging device serves as an intermediary that provides access to containers through the closed machine guard. It creates a controlled access path that eliminates the need to open the guard while maintaining the ability to remove containers, thereby simplifying the operation procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A transport device for transporting pharmaceutical containers has a transporting path with first and second lateral boundaries, between which containers are conveyable. A blocking element is transferable between a release position and a blocking position. In the release position, the transporting path is released so that containers pass in a transporting direction. In the blocking position, the blocking element is within the transporting path and contactable by containers. An edge element is preferably arranged level with the blocking element relative to the transporting direction. The edge element is transferable relative to the transporting path between a neutral position and an open position. In the neutral position, the edge element forms a section of the second lateral boundary and, in the open position, releases a discharging opening at the second lateral boundary. The containers blocked by the blocking element are dischargeable out of the transporting path via the discharging opening.