Packaging Device Transport Means Markings for Tension Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Packaging devices for individual medicament portions face the risk of damage due to malfunction of the transport means, particularly when under considerable tension, leading to potential wedging and damage within the device.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize markings on the transport means and deflection axis, monitored by sensors, to detect deviations in time or path differences, triggering the stoppage of the drive axle when a threshold is exceeded, preventing further movement and potential damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of guide devices are used to handle multiple medicament portions, then the packaging device can produce more different drug combinations, but the total weight of the guide devices increases and the transport means are under considerable tension

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of drug combinationsVSAvoidtension on transport means
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The transport means is divided into multiple separate belts, each responsible for transporting a subset of guide devices. This segmentation reduces the total tension on each individual belt while maintaining the capability to transport all guide devices required for multiple drug combinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide devices are arranged in a matrix pattern with multiple levels, utilizing vertical space to reduce the horizontal span required. This dimensional reorganization reduces the overall weight and tension on the transport means while preserving the capacity to handle multiple medicament portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the transport means is under considerable tension due to the weight of guide devices, then the drive can move the guide devices, but the transport means may tear and cause damage to the packaging device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement of guide devicesVSAvoidintegrity of transport means
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A tensioning device is introduced to pre-tension and support the transport means, distributing the load and preventing excessive stress on any single section. This cushioning mechanism prevents tearing while maintaining the productivity required for moving guide devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The tensioning device acts as an intermediary between the drive mechanism and the transport means, mediating the forces applied and reducing peak tensions that could cause tearing. This intermediary component protects the transport means while allowing continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the transport means tears, then the guide devices are pulled through the packaging device unguided, but stopping the drive axle after detection may cause delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage to packaging deviceVSAvoidstoppage time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning device is pre-configured to automatically engage and lock when tension exceeds safe limits, stopping the transport means before it can tear. This preliminary protective action prevents damage while minimizing stoppage time through automatic activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A detection device continuously monitors the tension and position of the transport means, providing real-time feedback to the control system. When a tear or abnormal condition is detected, the system immediately responds by stopping the drive axle, preventing damage while minimizing delay through continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3156337B1Method for operating a packaging device and packaging device
Publication Date: 2018.04.11 BECTON DICKINSON ROWA GERMANY GMBH
  • EP3156337B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3156337B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3156337B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a packaging device and to a packaging device itself. In known methods and packaging devices, damage to transport means within the device causes significant damage. In the method according to the invention, guide devices (10) attached to transport means (110, 120) of a transport device (100) are moved along a plurality of storage and dispensing devices (20), wherein at least one transport means is driven by a drive axle (140) coupled to a motor (130) and returned at a deflection axle (150), the motor (130) being coupled to a control device (40).The means of transport and/or the deflection axis (150) have a plurality of markings (111, 121) arranged at predetermined intervals, and at least one distance or time difference between two markings (111, 121) is determined, the determined difference is compared with a target value, and, if a deviation exceeding a threshold value is determined between the target value and the determined difference, the drive axis (140) is stopped.