Medicine Dose Transfer Channels for Array Spacing Transposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging and medicine dose inspection devices lack flexibility in accommodating different array sizes and spacings, necessitating new machines when dimensions differ, leading to increased labor, errors, and financial inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A transfer device with channels that can alter the spacing and configuration of medicine arrays, allowing adaptation to various machine standards without manual handling, and facilitating optical recognition on inspection tables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a packaging device is designed with fixed cavity arrangements and dimensions, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device lacks flexibility when different array sizes or dimensions are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to accommodate different array sizes and spacingsVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into modular components: a body with multiple channels, an entrance matrix with adjustable positioning, and an exit matrix with adjustable positioning. Each channel can independently receive and transfer doses, allowing the system to be configured for different array sizes without redesigning the entire device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The entrance matrix and exit matrix are designed with adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the array configuration. This enables the same device to adapt to different spacing requirements and array dimensions by adjusting the position of the matrices rather than requiring fixed structural designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If doses are transferred manually between different array configurations, then the device structure remains simple, but labor requirements increase and error risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer speed and efficiencyVSAvoidtransfer device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses a bundle of channels as intermediaries to transfer doses automatically from the entrance matrix to the exit matrix. Each channel acts as a conduit that guides doses through the transfer process, eliminating the need for manual handling while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical transfer process is replaced with an automated channel-based transfer system. Doses are moved through the channels using controlled dispensing and receiving mechanisms rather than manual picking and placing, increasing productivity while keeping the device structure manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If vision technology is used for medicine inspection, then counting accuracy improves, but sufficient space on the inspection table is required which increases device footprint

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedicine recognition and counting accuracyVSAvoidinspection table area

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The device transfers doses in a three-dimensional space using vertical channels and stacked matrix arrangements rather than spreading doses out on a large two-dimensional table. This allows vision technology to inspect doses at closer distances with sufficient optical resolution while minimizing the horizontal footprint of the inspection area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20260054869A1Transfer device for transferring an array of doses of medicines

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 GLOBAL FACTORIES TOTAL ENG & MFG BV

AI summary

A transfer device for transferring an array of doses of medicines, the transfer device comprising a body extending along a main axis between a top face located at an upper part of the body and a bottom face located at a lower part of the body, the top face including a group of entrance openings arranged in an entrance matrix in a plane transverse to the main axis at the level of the top face, the entrance openings each being arranged to receive a dose of medicines of the array, the body comprising a bundle of channels for passing doses of medicines therethrough, each channel extending along the body from a single entrance opening of the group of entrance openings to a single exit opening of a group of exit openings arranged in an exit matrix in a plane transverse to the main axis of the body at the level of the bottom face, at least one of the channels extending along the body with a component transverse to the main axis of the body so as to transpose the array of doses of medicines from a first spatial configuration corresponding to the entrance matrix to a second spatial configuration corresponding to the exit matrix.