Multi-Component Pharmaceutical Assembly Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contemporary pharmaceutical delivery structures, such as tablets and capsules, are limited in their ability to accommodate multiple active agents and offer limited selectivity in release rates, making them inadequate for complex medication regimens.
Innovation Solution
A machine that assembles pharmaceutical products by connecting multiple components with a bonding liquid, allowing for customizable delivery of active agents and varying release rates, using a connection structure like rivets, and incorporating an identification system to ensure correct assembly and quantity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tablets or capsules are used to deliver active agents, then the manufacturing process is simple and well-established, but the ability to accommodate multiple active agents with different release rates is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pharmaceutical product is divided into multiple separate components, each containing a different active agent. These components are independently manufactured and then assembled together, allowing each component to be optimized for specific release rates and properties without complicating the overall manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple component tablets or capsules are nested within an outer delivery vehicle or container. This nesting structure allows multiple active agents to be delivered through a single product while maintaining the simplicity of traditional tablet or capsule manufacturing for each individual component
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are assembled into a single pharmaceutical product, then the delivery of multiple active agents with selective release rates is improved, but the assembly process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each component is pre-manufactured with its specific release rate properties and active agent formulation before assembly. This preliminary preparation allows the final assembly process to be straightforward, as each component is already optimized and ready for integration into the multi-component product
Solution Approach 2:
A bonding agent or adhesive is used as an intermediary substance to connect the multiple components together. This intermediary simplifies the assembly process by providing a reliable and controlled method for joining components without requiring complex mechanical or chemical bonding mechanisms
3Reliability
If an identification system is added to ensure correct component assembly, then the accuracy and reliability of product assembly is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical or manual verification methods for ensuring correct assembly are replaced with an identification system that uses optical, magnetic, or RFID markers. This substitution increases reliability through automated detection while keeping the added complexity manageable by using established non-mechanical sensing technologies
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
Enables the efficient and customizable delivery of multiple active agents with controlled release rates, improving patient compliance and medication efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
The machine applies a bonding liquid or a bonding agent to one or more of the components, and forms the assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for assembling a plurality of independently formed solid components is provided thereby forming a single delivery vehicle for a pharmaceutical or pharmaceutical-like product. The solid components can be held and fed to the apparatus via a plurality of magazines. Pusher rods and the like can be used for positioning each of the solid components. Where the components are connected via a bonding liquid, a sprayer is provided and compression pins or the like press the components with the bonding liquid together to form the final project. A rivet or other connection structure can also be used and driven through holes in each of the solid components to form the final product.