Dual-Pivot Vial Manipulator for Faster Robotic Drug Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic pharmaceutical preparation systems face inefficiencies in manipulating vials due to the need for multiple stations and manipulators, which increases system complexity and reduces preparation speed.
Innovation Solution
A vial manipulator with multiple pivotable vial holders and a turning mechanism allows for simultaneous manipulation of vials, including pivoting and orientation changes, reducing the need for transferring vials between stations and enabling multiple processes to be performed on a single vial holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stations and manipulators are used to manipulate vials, then the system can perform various operations on vials, but the system complexity increases and preparation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple vial holder stations (first and second vial holders) into a single integrated manipulator body that can perform multiple operations. Instead of having separate manipulators at different stations, the invention merges the functionality into one manipulator that can pivot, rotate, and position vials for various processes including dilution, reconstitution, and fluid transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator body is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions through its pivotable vial holders. The same manipulator can accommodate different operations (dilution, reconstitution, fluid transfer) by adjusting the orientation and position of vials held in the pivotable holders, eliminating the need for specialized manipulators for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stations and manipulators are used to manipulate vials, then various operations can be performed, but the preparation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation by allowing the manipulator to hold multiple vials in different operational states simultaneously. The first vial holder can be positioned for dilution while the second vial holder is positioned for reconstitution, and the manipulator can continuously transfer fluids and reposition vials without interruption, maintaining productive action throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator can pre-position vials in the pivotable holders before operations are needed. Vials can be oriented and prepared in advance, allowing the system to quickly transition between different operations without delays for repositioning or setup, thereby increasing preparation speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vials are transferred between stations, then different operations can be performed on vials, but the time required for transfer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for transferring vials between separate stations by integrating all operational capabilities into a single manipulator body with pivotable vial holders. Vials remain on the manipulator throughout the process, performing operations such as dilution, reconstitution, and fluid transfer without being removed or transferred to different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator uses dynamic pivoting of the vial holders to change the orientation and position of vials for different operations. Instead of transferring vials between stations, the system dynamically adjusts the angle and position of vials held in the pivotable holders to accommodate different operational requirements, eliminating transfer time.
Data Source
AI summary
A vial manipulator is provided for use in a robotic pharmaceutical preparation system. The vial manipulator includes a manipulator body defining a main axis; a first vial holder pivotably coupled to the manipulator body and configured to receive and hold of a vial assembly; a first pivoting mechanism for pivoting the first vial holder about a first axis extending outwardly from the main body in a first direction; a second vial holder pivotably coupled to the manipulator body and configured to receive and hold of a vial assembly; and a second pivoting mechanism for pivoting the second vial holder about a second axis extending outwardly from the main body in a second direction which is different than the first direction. The vial manipulator can further include a turning mechanism configured for turning the manipulator body about the main axis.