Low-Profile X-Y Table for Automated Pill Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for automatically filling prescriptions lack flexibility and accuracy, often resulting in errors when dispensing multiple types of pills into vials or blister packs, as they are limited to specific types and quantities, and require manual labor, increasing the risk of incorrect dosages and lost pills.
Innovation Solution
A pill dispensing apparatus with a low-profile X-Y table and interchangeable platens that can move in both X and Y directions, allowing for precise placement of vials or blister packs under a carousel of pill canisters, using identification devices like RFID or barcodes to select the correct platen and ensure accurate dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single machine is used to dispense multiple types of pills into different packaging formats, then versatility and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is divided into separate functional modules: a carousel for holding multiple canisters, a platen for receiving pills, and a dispensing mechanism. Each module can be independently configured or replaced, allowing the system to handle different pill types and packaging formats without redesigning the entire machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing mechanism is designed with universal components that can accommodate multiple canister types and packaging formats. The carousel can hold various canisters, and the platen can receive different types of pills, enabling a single machine to perform multiple dispensing functions.
2Productivity
If automated dispensing equipment is used to fill prescriptions, then productivity and accuracy are improved, but the ability to handle multiple pill types and packaging formats is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a rotatable carousel that can dynamically position different canisters in the dispensing location, and a platen that can be adjusted to accommodate different packaging formats. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the automated system to maintain high productivity while handling multiple pill types and formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing mechanism allows for parameter changes such as adjusting the carousel rotation to select different canisters, modifying the platen position to accommodate different packaging sizes, and changing the dispensing quantity based on prescription requirements. These parameter adjustments enable versatile operation without sacrificing automated dispensing speed and accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple machines are used to handle different packaging formats, then specialization and precision are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single dispensing machine is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple packaging formats including vials, blister packs, and other containers. The platen and dispensing mechanism can be configured to precisely fill each format type, eliminating the need for multiple specialized machines while maintaining filling precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual dispensing by pharmacists is used, then flexibility to handle various prescriptions is improved, but productivity and accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The automated dispensing system performs the dispensing task autonomously without requiring manual intervention for each prescription. The carousel automatically positions the correct canister, the dispensing mechanism accurately transfers the prescribed quantity of pills to the appropriate packaging, and the system can handle multiple prescriptions in sequence, thereby maintaining flexibility while dramatically improving productivity and consistency.
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 system enables accurate and efficient filling of prescriptions into various package types, reducing human error and increasing flexibility by allowing multiple canisters to be used for different medications, ensuring the right quantity and type of pills are dispensed into vials or blister packs.
Implementation Method 1
An X-drive motor is mounted to the platform and interfaced to an X-drive gear. An X-drive linear gear is slideably held within an X-direction slot of the platform and is in communication with the X-drive gear such that rotation of the X-drive gear results in linear movement of the X-drive linear gear
Implementation Method 2
A Y-drive motor is also mounted to the platform and interfaced to a Y-drive gear. A Y-drive linear gear is slideably held within a Y-direction slot of the platform and is in communication with the Y-drive gear such that rotation of the Y-drive gear results in linear movement of the Y-drive linear gear
Implementation Method 3
An X-plane truck is attached to the X-drive linear gear and has at least one X-plane bearing that is slideably held in the X-truck trough
Implementation Method 4
A Y-plane truck is attached to the Y-drive linear gear and has at least one Y-plane bearing that is slideably held in the Y-truck trough
Data Source
AI summary
An X-Y table includes a platform and a frame which has an X and Y-truck trough. An X-drive motor interfaced to an X-drive gear. A Y-drive motor interfaced to a Y-drive gear. Both motors are affixed to the platform. An X-drive linear gear slideably held within an X-direction slot communicates with the X-drive gear whereas rotation of the X-drive gear results in linear movement of the X-drive linear gear. A Y-drive linear gear, slideably held within a Y-direction slot communicates with the Y-drive gear. An X-plane truck attached to the X-drive linear gear is slideably held in the X-truck trough. A Y-plane truck attached to the Y-drive linear gear is slideably held in the Y-truck trough. The frame moves in an X-direction responsive to rotation of the X-drive motor and in a Y-direction responsive to rotation of the Y-drive motor.