Gripper Assembly Vial Positioning for Automated Pharmacy Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-volume pharmaceutical dispensing systems face challenges in accurately and precisely moving vials between carriers and dispensing stations, particularly in high-speed operations where vial handling and positioning are critical for efficient and error-free dispensing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a gripper assembly within an automated pharmacy machine that contacts and adjusts the position of vials within carriers, allowing for precise retrieval, filling, and return, utilizing a transition platform and RFID tags for coordinated operation with a robotic arm to manage vial movement and dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-speed conveyors are used to convey vials at rapid rates, then productivity is improved, but the accuracy and precision of vial positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning actions by diverting vials to specific stations before the high-speed conveying begins. The diverting mechanism pre-positions vials at predetermined locations on the conveyor, ensuring that when high-speed movement occurs, the vials are already correctly positioned to maintain both speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system acts as an intermediary between the diverting stations and the dispensing apparatus. It receives vials from multiple diverting stations and transports them to the dispensing location, mediating between the high-speed requirement and the precision requirement by coordinating the timing and position of vial delivery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate conveyors and vial carriers are used to convey vials, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single conveyor system is designed to perform multiple functions: it conveys vials from various diverting stations, positions them for dispensing, and coordinates with multiple vial carriers of different sizes. This universal conveyor handles diverse vial types and routing requirements without requiring separate dedicated conveyors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple vial carrier functions into a unified conveyor architecture. Instead of having separate conveyors for each vial carrier type, the invention integrates them into a single coordinating system that manages all vial transport operations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If vials are conveyed at high speeds, then productivity is improved, but the risk of vials toppling over increases
Solution Approach 1:
Vials are diverted to specific stations and pre-positioned before high-speed conveying begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that vials start in a stable, upright position and are correctly oriented during the high-speed transport, reducing the risk of toppling while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and feedback mechanisms that monitor vial position and stability during conveyance. When a vial shows signs of instability or deviation from the expected path, the system can adjust conveyor speed, positioning, or support mechanisms to prevent toppling while maintaining overall high-speed operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of retrieving a vial from a carrier includes the steps of: contacting a vial contained within a carrier with a gripper assembly to shift the position of the container to one end of the carrier and to adjust the position of the carrier on a platform from a diverted position to a retrieval position; lifting the vial from the carrier with the gripper assembly; and returning the vial to the carrier with the gripper assembly. Such a method can improve the accuracy and precision of moving the vial to and from the carrier for dispensing.