Adaptable Pharmaceutical Counting Device with Interchangeable Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pharmaceutical counting devices are unable to accommodate individual containers efficiently, leading to inaccurate counting and limitations in using automated features, especially when counting small quantities, as they are designed for bulk collection vessels.
Innovation Solution
An adaptable pharmaceutical counting device and adapter system that allows direct filling of individual containers while maintaining compatibility with bulk collection vessels, enabling one-handed operation and real-time counting, with sensors triggered by the adapter's size and shape to initiate or reset counting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bulk collection vessel is used for counting pharmaceuticals, then the device can handle large quantities efficiently, but it cannot accommodate individual containers for small quantity prescriptions
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk collection vessel is segmented into a collection portion and a dispensing portion, allowing the device to handle both bulk counting and individual container filling operations within a single vessel structure
Solution Approach 2:
The bulk collection vessel is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be used for bulk pharmaceutical counting, and also for direct filling of individual containers by detaching the dispensing portion, eliminating the need for separate bulk and individual container vessels
2Productivity
If an individual container is used to catch counted pharmaceuticals, then transfer time is eliminated, but the device cannot detect container presence for automated counting reset
Solution Approach 1:
A detector component is introduced as an intermediary element that mediates between the individual container and the counting device sensor, reflecting light or other signals to enable sensor detection of the container's presence and trigger automated counting reset
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated detection and reset functionality where the sensor automatically detects the individual container through the detector component and triggers the counting reset without requiring manual intervention, maintaining high-speed cycling capability
3Quantity of substance
If pharmaceuticals are counted into a bulk collection vessel, then large quantities can be processed, but additional transfer time and effort are required for individual prescriptions
Solution Approach 1:
The bulk collection vessel is divided into a collection portion for bulk counting and a dispensing portion that can be detached for direct filling of individual containers, eliminating the need to transfer pharmaceuticals between separate bulk and individual containers
Solution Approach 2:
The collection portion and dispensing portion are combined in a single integrated bulk collection vessel structure, allowing the user to perform both bulk counting and individual container filling operations without switching between separate vessels or performing manual transfers
Data Source
AI summary
A system for adaptably collecting pharmaceuticals into various containers is provided. The system includes an automated pharmaceutical counting device with a loading portion for accepting the pharmaceuticals for counting, an exit portion for dispensing the pharmaceuticals, and a receiving area configured to interchangeably accommodate a bulk collection vessel and an adapter for an individual container for an individual prescription. The automated pharmaceutical counting device dispenses the pharmaceuticals through the exit portion and into an inserted one of the bulk collection vessel and the adapter.