Magnetic Component Transport System for Clean Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated machines for transporting components in pharmaceutical packaging are noisy, generate particulates, and require significant human intervention for maintenance and operation, compromising cleanliness and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A machine using magnetic fields and support members with gripping means to transport components independently and contactlessly, reducing noise and contamination, and minimizing human intervention through a system of magnetic fields, support members, and elastic gripping mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical and motorized transport devices (conveyor belts, chains, mechanical arms) are used to transport components, then the machine can reliably move components between working stations, but the machine generates noise and particulates, requiring constant human intervention for monitoring and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent transport reliabilityVSAvoidnoise and particulate generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical transport devices (conveyor belts, chains, mechanical arms) with a magnetic field-based transport system. Electric energizing means generate magnetic fields that interact with magnetic means on support members to move components contactlessly, eliminating mechanical friction and particulate generation while maintaining reliable transport between working stations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If mechanical transport devices with gripping members are used, then components can be securely held and moved, but the complexity of the machine increases and human intervention is required for cleaning and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent gripping and transportVSAvoidmachine structural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical gripping and transport mechanisms with a simplified magnetic field-based system. Support members with magnetic means are moved by electric energizing means, eliminating the need for complex mechanical arms, grippers, and associated control systems, thereby reducing overall machine complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field-based transport system requires minimal human intervention for cleaning and maintenance compared to mechanical systems. The contactless nature of magnetic transport reduces wear and contamination, allowing the system to maintain itself with less human oversight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If traditional mechanical transport systems are used, then components can be moved between stations, but contamination and pollution inside the machine occurs, requiring biological and particulate controls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent transport efficiencyVSAvoidproduct contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based transport with magnetic field-based contactless transport. This eliminates friction, wear particles, and mechanical contamination that could pollute the product, while maintaining efficient component movement between working stations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 machine provides a reliable, versatile, and environmentally sustainable solution for transporting components of varying sizes and shapes without noise or contamination, reducing human intervention and maintaining product integrity.

Implementation Method 1

electric energizing means, configured to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields; at least a first and a second support member each provided with magnetic means configured to interact with the one or more magnetic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

move each of the support members independently, without contact and without constraint in direction or path, on the reference surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic levitation: Maglev

Data Source

PatentUS20220227008A1Machine and method to automatically transport one or more components to make a package from and to one or more working stations

Publication Date: 2022.07.21 IMA IND MASCH AUTOMATICHE SPA

AI summary

A machine (10) to automatically transport, from and to one or more working stations (12), one or more components (11) to make a package, comprises a reference surface (13), with which electric energizing members (14) are associated to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields, and at least a pair of support members (15) each provided with magnetic means (16) configured to interact with the magnetic fields. The machine (10) comprises control means (17) configured to energize selectively and in a coordinated manner the electric energizing members (14) to cause the selective movement of each support member (15) from one point to another of the reference surface (13). Each support member (15) is also provided with respective gripping means (18) comprising at least one support arm (19), wherein the support arm (19) of the first support member (15) is configured to cooperate with the support arm (19) of the second support member (15) to selectively temporarily grip and support at least one or more components (11).