Automated Picking Device for Identical Pharmaceutical Packs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing order-picking devices for pharmaceutical packs are time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when storing multiple identical items, as they require manual counting and placement, which can lead to inefficiencies and inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
An order-picking device equipped with a row of shelves, storage devices, an operating device with a support table and gripping mechanism, and a sensor system that automatically determines the number of pieces based on recorded data, allowing for chaotic or sorted storage and reducing the need for manual initiation of storage through a triggering device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual counting and placement of identical items is used, then the storage process can be initiated, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting and placement with an automated sensor system that uses optical or other non-contact sensing to detect and count items. The sensor system automatically determines the number of identical items placed on the support table, eliminating the need for manual counting and reducing errors while increasing storage speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the sensor system to automatically detect, count, and verify items without human intervention. The control unit processes sensor data to determine item counts and automatically initiates the storage process, making the system self-sufficient and reducing reliance on manual operations.
2Reliability
If sequential individual storage of drug packages is used, then accurate storage is achieved, but the process takes more time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the sensor system detect and count all items on the support table before the storage process is initiated. This preliminary detection ensures accurate knowledge of the number of items to be stored, allowing the system to then proceed with bulk handling and sequential storage with confidence, reducing overall storage time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system provides feedback to the control unit about the number of items detected on the support table. This feedback mechanism ensures that the control unit has accurate information before initiating storage, allowing for proper coordination between detection and storage operations, thereby improving both accuracy and efficiency.
3Productivity
If multiple identical packages are placed on the support table, then storage efficiency increases, but the risk of incorrect counting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual counting mechanisms with an automated sensor system that can accurately detect and count multiple identical items simultaneously. The sensor system uses optical or other sensing methods to distinguish and count each item individually, even when multiple identical packages are placed on the support table, thereby maintaining measurement precision while improving storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to be universal in its ability to detect and count various types of items on the support table. It can handle different quantities and arrangements of identical items through the same detection mechanism, making the system versatile and accurate regardless of the number of items placed for storage.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a picking device (1) for storing a plurality of identical items. In known picking devices, the number of identical items must be entered by a user. To avoid this, the picking device according to the invention includes, among other things, a storage unit (20, 30) with a support area (21, 31) and an operating device (50) coupled to a control unit (70), comprising a support table (51) and a gripping device (60) with which items can be gripped in a retrieval area (25, 35) of a storage unit (20, 30). The picking device further comprises a triggering device (22, 32) coupled to the control unit (70) for initiating the storage of unit loads and a sensor system (80, 81, 81b, 200, 300, 250, 260) coupled to the control unit (70), with which unit load data can be recorded and transmitted to the control unit (70).The control device (70) is designed according to the invention such that the number of identical unit items arranged in a support area (21, 31) is determined on the basis of the unit item data and on the basis of size data of the unit items.