Pharmaceutical Container Consolidation for Mixed Order Fulfillment
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-volume pharmacies face inefficiencies in processing and packaging large numbers of pharmaceutical containers, particularly in combining unit-of-use and auto-filled containers into a single shipping package, which can lead to increased operational complexity and reduced processing speed.
Innovation Solution
A pharmaceutical order processing system comprising a repository, a container selector with a movable carriage, a labeler, an order consolidator, and a transporter, which enables the picking, labeling, and packaging of pharmaceutical containers into shipping packages, allowing for the combination of different types of containers to fulfill prescription orders efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated systems process unit-of-use and auto-filled containers separately, then each container type can be handled with specialized equipment, but the operational complexity increases and processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines unit-of-use and auto-filled containers into a single repository structure with unified access mechanisms. The container selector and carriage system are designed to handle both container types through the same operational interface, eliminating the need for separate processing lines and reducing operational complexity while maintaining specialized handling capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The repository and container selector system is designed with universal functionality to accommodate both unit-of-use and auto-filled containers. The carriage can access and retrieve either container type from the same repository structure, and the order consolidator can package both types together, creating a multi-functional system that improves productivity without requiring separate specialized equipment for each container type.
2Productivity
If multiple container types are combined into a single shipping package, then fulfillment efficiency improves, but the packaging process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The order consolidator merges unit-of-use and auto-filled containers into a single shipping package through a unified packaging process. The system consolidates both container types in one location using standardized packaging mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate packaging lines and reducing overall packaging process complexity while improving fulfillment efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The order consolidator acts as an intermediary between the container selector and the final shipping package. It receives both unit-of-use and auto-filled containers, coordinates their placement together, and manages the packaging process, thereby simplifying the complexity of handling multiple container types by providing a centralized coordination point.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable carriage picks containers from a repository, then access to different container locations is enabled, but the system requires more complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable carriage that can dynamically reposition itself along the repository to access different container locations. This dynamic structure replaces static, fixed-position access points with a mobile system that can adapt to various container positions, providing versatility while using straightforward mechanical movement mechanisms rather than complex multi-axis positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The repository is segmented into multiple accessible locations along a linear or modular structure, allowing the carriage to service different sections independently. This segmentation enables the system to provide wide access coverage through a relatively simple mechanical structure that moves along predefined paths rather than requiring complex three-dimensional positioning mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A pharmaceutical order processing system for processing a plurality of pharmaceutical containers includes a container repository, a container selector, an order consolidator transporter and an order consolidator. The container repository supports the pharmaceutical containers. The container selector has a picker to pick the pharmaceutical containers from the pharmaceutical container repository. The container selector includes a carriage supporting the picker and movable relative to the container repository to move the picker around the container repository. The order consolidator receives the pharmaceutical containers and places the pharmaceutical containers in a shipping package. The order consolidator transporter receives the pharmaceutical containers after they have been picked by the picker and transports the pharmaceutical containers toward the order consolidator.