Pharmacy picking device comprising a universal supply-and-control module
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Solution Overview
Problem
The setup and installation of modern pharmacy order picking apparatuses typically disrupt pharmacy operations for at least five days due to the lengthy process of setup, calibration, and equipment installation, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A pharmacy order picking apparatus featuring a universal supply and control module that can be quickly integrated with various housing variants, where the electrical assemblies are pre-connected and calibrated during production, reducing on-site setup time by eliminating the need for on-site electrical connections and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pharmacy order picking apparatuses are installed with custom electrical assemblies and calibration performed on-site, then the apparatus can be customized to specific pharmacy needs, but the setup time extends to at least five days disrupting pharmacy operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling and pre-calibrating electrical assemblies at the manufacturing site before delivery. The control module comes pre-configured with all electrical connections made and calibrated, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site electrical work and calibration procedures, thus reducing setup time while maintaining customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the order picking apparatus into modular components, with the control module as a separate, pre-assembled unit containing all electrical assemblies. This segmentation allows the electrical module to be manufactured and calibrated independently, then integrated into the final system, reducing overall setup time while preserving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical assemblies are connected and calibrated on-site during installation, then the apparatus can be adapted to the specific pharmacy environment, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves electrical assembly and calibration activities from the installation phase to the manufacturing phase. By completing these tasks beforehand at the factory, the patent reduces installation complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to adapt to specific pharmacy environments through modular design and pre-programmed functionality.
3Quantity of substance
If a large order picking apparatus is installed to handle extensive pharmacy inventory, then the apparatus capacity increases, but the installation time and operational disruption are extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large-order picking apparatus into multiple modular units, each with its own pre-assembled control module. This segmentation allows for parallel installation of multiple units, reducing total installation time while maintaining the overall large capacity needed for extensive pharmacy inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-assembling and pre-calibrating control modules for each unit before delivery, the patent enables faster installation of large-capacity systems. Multiple pre-prepared modules can be installed simultaneously, reducing the time penalty associated with installing larger apparatuses.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pharmacy picking device (I) comprising a housing (10) with a plurality of shelf bases (II) disposed one above the other, at least one operating device (12), a conveyor device (14), a housing-coupling interface (15), and a universal supply-and-control module (20) This universal supply-and-control module (20) comprises a feed device (21), an identification and measurement device (22), operator input/output devices (23), an electronic controller (24) and a voltage supply assembly (25), as well as a housing-coupling interface (15) and an electrical interface (27), said supply-and-control module (20) being arranged adjacent to the housing (10) such that a mechanical coupling is produced by said housing-coupling interface (15) and module-coupling interface (26), in such a manner that drug packages in or on the supply-and-control module (20), which are to be deposited, are delivered to a position on the conveyor device (14) which is known to the electronic controller.