Dual-Axis Suction Arm for Blister Pack Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing transfer devices for blister packs in pharmaceutical packaging are inefficient in terms of speed and precision, affecting the overall throughput of the packaging process.
Innovation Solution
A transfer unit equipped with a suction arm that can rotate around two axes, allowing for simultaneous picking and placing of blister packs with a 180° rotational movement, ensuring accurate orientation and high throughput by moving in a combination of rotational movements that allow for lateral offset and efficient transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional transfer device is used to transfer blister packs from the stamping station to the conveying means, then the transfer process can be completed, but the throughput of the overall packaging machine is reduced due to inefficiency in speed and precision
Solution Approach 1:
The suction arm is divided into two segments: a first segment that rotates around a first axis, and a second segment that rotates around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. This segmentation allows independent control of each segment's motion, enabling complex transfer paths to be broken down into manageable rotational movements that can be optimized for speed and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The suction arm employs dynamic rotational movements around two perpendicular axes rather than a fixed linear path. The first segment rotates around the first axis to cover the lateral offset distance, while the second segment rotates around the second axis to position the blister pack vertically. This dynamic multi-axis rotation system allows the transfer device to adapt its motion path for optimal speed and precision
2Manufacturing precision
If the suction arm uses a single-axis rotation to transfer blister packs, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of orientation (ensuring lidding foil side faces up) cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The suction arm adds a second rotational dimension by introducing a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The first segment handles rotation around the first axis for lateral positioning, while the second segment handles rotation around the second axis for vertical orientation. This two-dimensional rotational approach ensures the blister pack is precisely oriented with the lidding foil side facing up, which cannot be achieved with single-axis rotation alone
3Productivity
If the suction arm transfers blister packs sequentially one by one, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is reduced due to slower transfer speed
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple suction devices are integrated onto the second segment of the suction arm, allowing simultaneous picking and placing of multiple blister packs. The suction devices work in parallel during the rotational transfer motion, enabling batch transfer of blister packs rather than sequential individual transfer, thereby significantly increasing productivity
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
The solution enables reliable, high-throughput transfer of blister packs with precise orientation, ensuring the lidding foil side faces up and accommodating different formats, thereby enhancing the efficiency and precision of the packaging process.
Implementation Method 1
A suction device for drawing up and holding a blister pack is arranged on the second segment
Data Source
AI summary
Several blister packs are picked simultaneously from pick positions, where they are arranged next to each other in a first row, moved, and placed simultaneously in several place positions. In the place positions, the blister packs are also arranged next to each other in a second row, which is parallel to the first row of the blister packs in the pick positions. The blister packs are placed in the place positions with a rotation of 180° around their centers in comparison to their orientation in the pick positions. The second row of blister packs in the place positions is laterally offset in the direction of the second row relative to the first row of blister packs in the pick positions.