Container Nest Locator for Reliable Code Orientation Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing pharmaceutical and veterinary containers face challenges in orienting nests within tubs and ensuring the readability of machine-readable codes due to varying orientations, leading to difficulties in product traceability and data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A container unit with a support surface featuring seats for containers, each equipped with a unique identifier and a nest locator, along with a reading device and computerized control system, facilitates accurate mapping and orientation of containers, enhancing readability and traceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If machine-readable codes are printed on containers in various orientations, then container serialization is achieved, but code readability becomes difficult due to unknown nest orientation
Solution Approach 1:
A nest locator marker is introduced as an intermediary reference element on the container nest. This marker serves as a mediator between the container orientation and the reading device, enabling the system to determine nest orientation and consequently locate and read individual container codes in the correct orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual orientation checking with an automated optical detection system. A reading device automatically detects the nest locator marker and uses this information to determine the orientation of containers, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving both speed and accuracy in code reading.
2Reliability
If automated systems locate machine-readable codes to map container positions, then traceability is improved, but system complexity increases due to orientation determination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The nest locator marker is pre-positioned on the container nest before containers are placed. This preliminary placement of a reference marker simplifies the automated system's task, as the orientation reference is already established, reducing the computational and operational complexity of determining container positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The nest locator acts as a simplified intermediary that provides a clear reference point for the automated reading device. Instead of complex algorithms to determine orientation from multiple cues, the system uses this single reference marker to establish a coordinate system, significantly reducing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A container unit for handling containers includes a support surface arranged with a plurality of seats. Each of said sets is adapted to contain a container, and each container is provided with a container data carrier adapted to contain a unique identifier of the container. The container unit comprises at least one container unit data carrier adapted to contain data of the containers contained in the seats, said data comprising the unique identifiers of each container, and the position of each container in the seats. A nest locator is provided on the surface of the container unit. The nest locator is adapted to be the reference for mapping the position of the containers in the seats.