Container Extraction Device for Pharmaceutical Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In pharmaceutical packaging systems, removing defective containers without disrupting the ongoing production or conveying process is challenging, as existing methods either require filling gaps with good containers or stopping the conveyor, which is problematic, especially during lengthy or complex checks.
Innovation Solution
A device that transfers potentially defective containers to a separate transport device, allowing for uninterrupted flow of good containers and enabling extensive, time-consuming checks without disrupting the production process, using a second transport device with identification and testing capabilities to ensure only defective containers are removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If containers are removed directly from the conveyor device, then defective containers can be ejected, but the conveyor must be stopped or gaps must be filled with good containers
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the container handling process by separating the ejection function from the main conveyor. A removable receptacle holds multiple containers and can be detached without affecting the continuous flow on the first conveyor device. This allows defective containers to be removed from the receptacle while the conveyor continues operating.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle acts as an intermediary carrier between the filling station and the ejection device. Containers are transferred to the receptacle, which then serves as the target for ejection. This intermediary structure enables selective removal of defective containers without directly interrupting the conveyor's continuous operation.
2Reliability
If containers are checked or ejected from the conveyor system, then defective containers can be identified, but the process takes relatively long time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sorting by transferring potentially defective containers to a separate receptacle before final ejection. This preliminary action allows time for identification and verification without blocking the main conveyor, reducing the critical path time for defective container removal.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for extracting containers, in particular pharmaceutical containers, from a first transport unit (15) conveying the containers in transport containers (1), having a first identification unit (32) arranged on the transport path of the first transport unit (15) for identification of the transport containers (1), having a discharge unit (24) downstream of the first identification unit (32) which transfers one transport container (1) to a second transport unit (23), on the conveying section of which a withdrawing unit (35) for withdrawing at least one container is arranged and having a feeding unit (27) for feeding the transport container (1) back to the first conveyance unit (15).