Pharmaceutical Dispensing System with Archimedes Screw and Optical Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic pharmacy dispensing systems face issues with medicament counting accuracy due to restrictive channels causing jam-ups, inability to discern overlapping medicaments, lack of error recovery, and inability to handle both medicament and pre-packaged dispensing in a single system, leading to inefficiencies and high costs.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an Archimedes screw dispenser with self-learning capabilities, a single linear positional sensing array for accurate counting, and a medicament holding and return system for error recovery, along with modular design for efficient use of space and cost-effectiveness, allowing for both medicament and pre-packaged medication dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a restrictive channel is used to force each medicament through the light beam, then counting accuracy is improved, but jam-ups increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the counting function into multiple independent optical sensors positioned at different locations, each detecting medicaments independently. This eliminates the need for a single restrictive channel while maintaining accurate counting through distributed measurement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical restrictive channel with an optical detection system using multiple light emitters and sensors. Instead of physically constraining medicaments through a narrow passage, the system uses optical fields to detect and count medicaments as they pass through a broader area, eliminating mechanical jam-points.
2Reliability
If a restrictive channel is not narrow enough at the counting point, then jam-ups are reduced, but two or more medicaments can be counted as one
Solution Approach 1:
The counting system is segmented into multiple independent optical detection zones with separate sensors. Each sensor independently detects medicaments in its specific zone, allowing the system to distinguish between multiple medicaments even when they are close together, while maintaining a broader channel to prevent jam-ups.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point counting approach to a distributed spatial array of sensors. By adding the dimension of multiple detection locations, the system can accurately count multiple medicaments simultaneously without requiring a narrow restrictive channel, as each sensor independently measures its local region.
3Ease of operation
If free fall is used to increase separation gaps between medicaments, then counting is eased, but singulation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independently positioned optical sensors to detect medicaments during free fall. Each sensor independently counts medicaments in its detection zone, allowing accurate counting even when medicaments are separated by variable gaps during free fall, while maintaining singulation through spatial distribution of detection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accommodates the dynamic motion of medicaments during free fall by using optical sensors that can detect and count medicaments regardless of their exact position or speed. The sensors dynamically track medicaments as they fall, maintaining accurate counting without requiring restrictive channels that would constrain the natural free fall motion.
4Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used to improve counting accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system is segmented into multiple simple, identical sensor units positioned at different locations. Each unit consists of a light emitter and detector pair, making the overall system modular and easier to implement than a single complex multi-source system. The segmented approach improves accuracy through distributed measurement while keeping individual components simple.
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 solution provides reliable, fast, and accurate dispensing with reduced jam-ups, error recovery, and modular scalability, enhancing pharmacist efficiency and reducing costs, making it viable for the export market.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter and an array of receivers positioned to receive the light beam when it has not been interrupted by a medicament
Implementation Method 2
An Archimedes screw positioned above a stationary trough which allows medicament to fall back over the side of the trough into the medicament supply bin
Implementation Method 3
Those skilled in the art would agree that the counting process is eased with greater separation gaps between medicaments. This is readily achievable through free fall.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention focuses on resolving outstanding problems of pharmaceutical dispensing systems. A need for dispensing of both medicaments and pre-packed medications has been addressed. This invention comprises an accurate counting system for multiple concurrently dispensed medicaments. Accurate, high speed medicament dispensing with little or no jam ups is achieved. Self recovery is provided to prevent medicament over counts. Machine self learn modes replace manual intervention by pharmacy personnel. Concurrent multi-tasking is provided and a quick action robotic arm further expedites the dispensing process. A touch screen computer is provided for coordinating the individual modules and overall control. The apparatus covers internal security and restricts access to unauthorized persons.