Drug Packaging Locking Mechanism for Secure Cell Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug product packaging systems lack an efficient mechanism to securely store restricted access drug products during non-business hours without requiring the unlocking of the entire system.
Innovation Solution
A drug product packaging system with a locking mechanism that allows cells to be inserted and maintained in a locked state without unlocking previously inserted cells, utilizing a plurality of latches and springs, and an actuator controlled by a controller to manage the locking state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with a bar across the opening is used, then security of restricted access drug products is improved, but the complexity of cell insertion and removal operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent latches, each controlling access to individual cells. Each latch can be independently actuated by a robotic system, allowing selective locking and unlocking of specific cells without affecting others. This segmentation maintains security while enabling automated, efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual bar-based locking mechanism is replaced with an automated latch system that can be actuated by a robotic system. The latches use spring-loaded tabs that can be engaged or disengaged automatically, eliminating the need for manual intervention and complex mechanical bars while maintaining secure locking.
2Reliability
If the entire system must be unlocked to insert cells, then security is maintained, but productivity during cell replacement operations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into individual cell-level latches rather than a system-wide lock. This allows the robotic system to unlock and replace specific cells without affecting the security status of other cells containing restricted access drugs, thereby maintaining security while improving productivity during cell replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of unlocking the entire system to replace a single cell, the system applies partial action by unlocking only the specific latch corresponding to the cell being replaced. This minimizes the disruption to security while enabling efficient cell replacement, addressing both security maintenance and productivity requirements.
3Reliability
If restricted access drug products must be removed during non-business hours, then compliance with regulations is achieved, but loss of time for system operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into individual cell latches that can be independently controlled. During non-business hours, the system can selectively lock specific cells containing restricted access drugs while leaving other cells accessible, eliminating the need to empty the entire system and reducing system downtime while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cells within the system have different security states - cells containing restricted access drugs are locked while other cells remain unlocked. This local differentiation of security quality allows the system to maintain compliance with regulations for specific drugs without requiring complete system shutdown or emptying, thereby reducing time loss.
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 secure storage of restricted access drug products within the packaging system during non-business hours, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while allowing for efficient operation without the need to empty the system.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned behind the latch and configured to apply a force to the latch to prevent removal of the cell from the cell location
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a drug product packaging system that is configured to hold a plurality of cells in a lockable section thereof and to maintain the plurality of cells in a locked state via a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism being configured to receive ones of the plurality of cells into the lockable section of the drug product packaging system and configured to maintain the ones of the plurality of cells in the locked state without changing the locked state of previously received ones of the plurality of cells into the lockable section of the drug product packaging system.