Pharmaceutical Extractor Segmentation Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pharmaceutical order processing systems face labor-intensive processes when removing pharmaceuticals from manufacturer packaging and transferring them to bulk storage containers, which hampers efficiency in filling pharmacy orders.

Innovation Solution

A pharmaceutical container processing system comprising a hopper, singulator assembly, identification system, container transporter, and pharmaceutical extractor, which singulates, identifies, and removes pharmaceuticals from multiple containers by cutting them to create outlets, allowing for efficient transfer into bulk containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional manual processes are used to remove pharmaceuticals from manufacturer packaging, then labor intensity is high, but processing speed is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainers processed per hourVSAvoidprocessing time per container

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the container processing into multiple discrete operation locations (first location for receiving, second location for cutting, third location for emptying) along a conveyor path. Each location performs a specific function, allowing continuous processing of multiple containers simultaneously, thereby increasing productivity and reducing overall processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated systems including a conveyor belt for transporting containers, an automated cutter for creating outlets, and a pharmaceutical extractor for removing contents. This automation eliminates manual labor and significantly increases processing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated cutting and extraction systems are implemented, then processing speed increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainers processed per hourVSAvoidnumber of processing components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system serves multiple functions: it transports containers between locations, positions containers for cutting, and facilitates the extraction process. The single outlet created in each container serves both as a cutting target and as the extraction pathway, reducing the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the cutting operation and extraction operation into a integrated flow where the cutter creates an outlet that directly enables pharmaceutical removal. The conveyor belt merges transportation, positioning, and processing functions into a single continuous system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20230382588A1Systems and methods for pharmaceutical container processing

Publication Date: 2023.11.30 EXPRESS SCRIPTS STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT INC

AI summary

A pharmaceutical extractor and associated components and methods for removing pharmaceuticals from a plurality of containers. The extractor includes a plurality of holders. Each holder is configured to hold at least one container of the plurality of containers. Each holder is repeatedly cycled through a series of container operation locations of the pharmaceutical extractor. In the series of container operation locations, the holders receive containers, the containers are cut to form pharmaceutical outlets in the containers, pharmaceuticals are moved out of the pharmaceutical outlets, and empty containers are dropped by the holders.