Pharmacy Picking Device Using Gravity Unloading and Optical Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing picking devices for pharmacies are mechanically complex, leading to low dispensing speeds and high maintenance efforts, especially when handling patient-specific drug combinations stored in chaotic storage systems where drug packages are not predetermined, limiting the type of drugs that can be stored and dispensed.

Innovation Solution

A picking device with a control device, storage device, stocking device, operating device, identifying device, delivery station, and transport device, which includes a clamping jaw guide apparatus with parallel guides and driven carriages to manage storage vessels of varying sizes, allowing for efficient retrieval and dispensing of drug combinations through a gravity unloading station and vessel collection system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If chaotic storage system is used to store drug packages, then space saving and rapid dispensing are achieved, but mechanical complexity increases and maintenance efforts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing speedVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical identification and verification systems with optical scanning (barcode/QR code readers) and electronic database systems. The identifying device uses optical fields rather than mechanical contact to read identifiers on storage pouches, eliminating the need for complex mechanical verification mechanisms while maintaining accurate drug combination identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electronic database and software control system as an intermediary between the physical storage system and the dispensing operation. The control device communicates with the database to verify drug combinations, replacing direct mechanical verification mechanisms. This intermediary layer simplifies the mechanical system while enabling rapid, accurate dispensing through electronic validation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If chaotic storage system is used, then space is saved, but the system is limited to special types of drug packs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space utilizationVSAvoiddrug pack type compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universal storage pouches with standardized identifiers (barcodes or QR codes) that can accommodate various drug types and combinations. The identifying device and control system are designed to recognize and verify different drug pack types through these universal identifiers, allowing the chaotic storage system to handle diverse pharmaceutical products without requiring specialized storage locations or mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of repair

If mechanical complexity is reduced, then maintenance efforts are reduced, but identification accuracy may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance effortVSAvoididentification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs optical scanning systems (barcode or QR code readers) that use light fields instead of mechanical contact to read identifiers. These optical systems require minimal mechanical maintenance while providing high identification accuracy through non-contact scanning. The electronic verification process replaces mechanical verification mechanisms, reducing moving parts and maintenance needs while maintaining or improving identification precision through digital validation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device enables efficient and rapid dispensing of customized drug combinations with reduced maintenance requirements, accommodating various drug sizes and types, and ensuring accurate identification and retrieval of drug combinations, improving operational efficiency and reducing mechanical complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a gravity unloading station

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11145156B2Picking device and method for retrieving drug compositions from storage

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 BECTON DICKINSON ROWA GERMANY GMBH

AI summary

A picking device for dispensing drug combinations arranged in storage vessels is provided. A storage device includes multiple storage locations for storage vessels, and an operating device is coupled to a controller. A stocking device moves storage vessels into the storage device, and an unloading device transfers drug combinations arranged in the storage vessels to a transport device.