Automated Dispenser Cleaner Assembly with Scraping Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated dispensing systems in high-volume pharmacies face inefficiencies in cleaning due to downtime and safety concerns when cleaning is required, as dust accumulation necessitates periodic shutdowns, exposing personnel to mechanical hazards.
Innovation Solution
A cleaner assembly with a blower and rollers is integrated into the system, allowing for automated and safe cleaning of the dispensing device without stopping operations, using rollers to scrape contaminants into a blower for containment and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the automated dispensing device is shut down for cleaning, then contaminants can be removed from the base plate, but system productivity decreases due to downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning assembly enables continuous cleaning action during dispensing operations. The rollers and blower operate continuously to scrape and remove dust from the base plate while the system remains in operation, eliminating the need for shutdowns and maintaining continuous useful action for both dispensing and cleaning functions
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning assembly performs self-service cleaning of the base plate without requiring external intervention or system shutdown. The automated rollers and blower system cleans the base plate independently while the dispensing device continues to operate, allowing the system to service itself without productivity loss
2Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed on the base plate, then contaminants can be removed, but personnel are exposed to mechanical hazards from moving parts and conveyor systems
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning assembly performs self-service cleaning without requiring personnel intervention. The automated rollers and blower system cleans the base plate independently, eliminating exposure to mechanical hazards while maintaining effective contaminant removal
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical cleaning action is replaced with an automated mechanical cleaning system consisting of rollers and a blower. This substitution eliminates personnel exposure to hazardous moving parts while achieving the same cleaning function through a controlled automated mechanism
3Productivity
If dust accumulates on the base plate, then the system can continue operating, but cleaning becomes necessary to maintain proper function
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning assembly operates continuously to prevent dust accumulation on the base plate while the system runs. The rollers and blower work continuously to scrape and remove dust particles, maintaining base plate cleanliness without interrupting dispensing operations and preventing harmful contamination buildup
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
Enables continuous operation of automated dispensing systems by effectively removing contaminants from the base plate, reducing downtime and ensuring safety by automating the cleaning process without exposing personnel to mechanical parts.
Implementation Method 1
A blower is provided and is configured to propel contaminants into the inner chamber
Implementation Method 2
The at least one roller is configured to scrape contaminants off of a base plate of the automated dispensing device and towards the blower
Data Source
AI summary
The cleaner assembly is configured for cleaning an automated dispensing device is described herein. The cleaner assembly includes a pallet; a plurality of side walls enclosing an inner chamber; a blower configured to propel contaminants into said inner chamber; and at least one roller operably supported by and projecting above at least one of said side walls, said at least one roller being configured to scrape contaminants off of a base plate of the automated dispensing device and towards said blower.