Dispersion Wheel for Automated Pharmaceutical Container Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated pharmaceutical prescription-filling systems require efficient and space-saving methods to direct empty containers to the correct pharmaceutical dispensers, as existing systems are often labor-intensive and inefficient in managing a large variety of pharmaceuticals, leading to challenges in optimizing throughput and reducing medication errors.

Innovation Solution

A multi-pharmaceutical dispensing station with a circular platform and dispersion wheel that uses sensors and slidable gates to align and direct empty prescription containers to the appropriate dispensers, optimizing the use of space and automating the filling, sealing, and shipping processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If traditional automated dispensing machines are used, then pharmaceutical prescriptions can be filled, but manual intervention is required for positioning containers and handling, reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of container positioning and handlingVSAvoidfilling speed and throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables containers to automatically identify and position themselves at the correct dispensing location through barcode scanning and automated guidance mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual positioning by pharmacists while maintaining high filling speeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical handling of containers is replaced with automated mechanical systems including robotic positioning devices, automated conveyors, and computer-controlled dispensing mechanisms that can quickly and accurately move containers through the filling process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large variety of pharmaceuticals is managed, then comprehensive prescription filling is achieved, but the space required for conveyors, sensors, gates, and motors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariety of pharmaceuticals handledVSAvoidspace for dispensing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from horizontal expansion of multiple dispensing stations to a vertical multi-level configuration where containers move through stacked tiers of dispensing units, allowing diverse pharmaceutical storage and dispensing within a compact vertical footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

A single automated dispensing station is designed to handle multiple types of pharmaceuticals through programmable control systems that can rapidly reconfigure dispensing parameters, eliminating the need for dedicated stations for each pharmaceutical type and reducing overall system space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If manual handling of containers is performed, then flexibility in positioning is maintained, but pharmacist time is consumed and medication errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of container-pharmaceutical matchingVSAvoidpharmacist time for manual handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates barcode scanners and sensors that automatically verify container identities, track their positions, and confirm correct pharmaceutical dispensing in real-time, providing immediate feedback to the control system to prevent errors and eliminate manual verification time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual visual inspection and handling by pharmacists is replaced with automated optical scanning systems, sensors, and computer vision technology that continuously monitor container movement and verify correct matching, achieving both high speed and high accuracy simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8511478B2Container dispersion wheel

Publication Date: 2013.08.20 TENSION INT

AI summary

A multi-pharmaceutical dispensing station includes a circular platform around which a plurality of individual dispensers is arrayed at a convenient loading height. Cylindrical, empty prescription containers bearing indicia of the patient and pharmaceutical to be dispensed into each container. Incident containers first enter an entraining column, where sensors detect the indicia and determine the proper dispenser to which to direct the container. The containers then drop into a dispersion wheel which translates them around the circular station and aligns them with a vertical chute leading to the designated dispenser. Slidable gates cover the chutes until the transport system determines they are above the proper dispenser, then open to drop the containers into the designated dispenser. The dispersion wheel may be used in other applications, such as container content verification, and may include container processing stations along its perimeter for processing the containers before sending them on.