Pharmacy Tailing Collection Device Using Venturi Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-volume pharmacies face challenges in efficiently collecting and disposing of dust, debris, and tailings generated during the packaging of prescription orders, which can affect operational efficiency and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A tailing collection device is deployed, featuring a collection assembly with a constricted intake tube and blower, creating a Venturi effect to suck in and collect dust and tailings, facilitating their removal and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central vacuum system is used to collect dust and tailings, then the collection capability is sufficient, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vacuum collection function into separate modular units - individual blowers and collection assemblies are positioned at each packaging station rather than using a centralized system. This segmentation allows each station to operate independently with its own collection capability, maintaining reliability while reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Each packaging station is equipped with its own blower and collection assembly, making the system self-sufficient at each location. The stations do not depend on a central vacuum system, allowing them to collect and dispose of dust and tailings independently, thereby reducing the need for complex centralized infrastructure.
2Productivity
If packaging operations continue without dust collection, then operational efficiency is maintained, but hygiene and cleanliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The collection assemblies are positioned to capture dust and tailings at the source before they can accumulate and contaminate the environment. The blowers create suction that immediately draws particulates away from the packaging operations, preventing contamination while allowing continuous operation without interruption for cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces collection assemblies with intake tubes and blowers as intermediary devices between the packaging operations and the environment. These intermediaries capture and remove dust and tailings, preventing direct contact between the particulates and the surrounding environment, thus maintaining hygiene without affecting operational efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a tailing collection device is deployed at each packaging station, then hygiene is improved, but the number of devices and initial cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection assemblies are designed as multi-functional units that combine dust collection, tailings removal, and air circulation functions in a single device. Each assembly serves multiple purposes within the packaging station, reducing the need for separate specialized devices and thereby lowering the overall number of components required while maintaining effective dust and tailings control.
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 system effectively collects and removes dust and tailings, improving operational efficiency and maintaining a clean environment within the pharmacy, potentially reducing maintenance costs compared to central vacuum systems.
Implementation Method 1
A portion of the intake tube is constricted and, in combination with a blower, is configured to enable achievement of the Venturi effect within the intake tube. When the Venturi effect is achieved within the intake tube, the tailing is sucked into and through the intake tube into the collection assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A pharmaceutical order filling system receives pharmaceutical orders and uses a packing device to package pharmaceutical orders. The packing device is configured with at least one cutter that generates tailings and dust. A tailing collection device is provided that collects the tailings and dust generated by the packing device into and through an intake tube and into a collection assembly. The collection assembly includes a hood with at least one air filter, a frame, and a bin removably received within the frame. The frame supports the hood and aligns the bin to be in fluid communication with the hood. A gas motive device is positioned intermediate the ends of an intake tub before the hood and is configured to suction the tailings and/or dust.