Non-Circular Guide Wheel and Label Software for Pill Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging machines require multiple guide wheels and drop chutes to accommodate different pill sizes and shapes, making it time-consuming to switch between them, and existing label printing systems are cumbersome with excessive manual data input.
Innovation Solution
A guide wheel with non-circular pill apertures, such as triangular or elliptical shapes, that can accommodate a wide range of pill sizes and shapes, and software that simplifies label design by displaying field selection screens, editing options, and automatic NDC number decoding for efficient label printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple guide wheels with different sized pill apertures are used to accommodate different pill sizes and shapes, then the packaging machine can handle various pill types, but it becomes time-consuming to switch between guide wheels and requires multiple drop chutes
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wheel is designed with multiple apertures of different sizes and shapes within a single wheel structure, allowing one guide wheel to perform the function of multiple guide wheels. Each aperture is specifically shaped to accommodate different pill types (round, oval, capsule, etc.), enabling the packaging machine to handle various pill sizes and shapes without requiring multiple separate guide wheels or drop chutes.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple guide wheels are used to properly center pills of different sizes, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but the operation time increases due to frequent switching
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wheel is pre-configured with multiple apertures of different sizes and shapes, each optimized for specific pill types. This preliminary design allows the operator to select the appropriate aperture for the current pill type without needing to switch entire guide wheels, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while significantly reducing the time required to adapt to different pill sizes.
3Ease of operation
If manual data input is required for label printing, then flexibility in label design is achieved, but the printing process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic data retrieval and verification mechanisms that provide feedback to the operator. The software can automatically retrieve drug information, verify NDC numbers, and populate label fields, reducing manual input requirements. This feedback loop ensures accuracy while significantly decreasing the time required for label preparation.
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 improved guide wheel centers pills of varying sizes with a single drop chute, and the software reduces manual input and simplifies label design, enhancing the efficiency of the packaging process.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of heated sealing jaws 7 and 8 will move to engage the sections of paper where a pill has been deposited and will melt a seal around the perimeter of the paper
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium containing computer executable code for instructing a computer to first display a field selection screen which includes selection indicators for a plurality of label fields. Then there is displayed a field content screen responsive to the label fields previously selected with the field content screen allowing editing of at least one label field. A bar code corresponding with one of said label fields is then selected and a print preview screen containing a plurality of said label fields is displayed. Then a print command for printing a label substantially as displayed on the print preview screen and including the bar code (regardless of whether or not said bar code is included on said print preview screen) is transmitted.