Pill Outflow Nozzle Assembly for Spill-Controlled Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated pill counting systems are prone to spilling pills during dispensing operations due to the need for manual handling and structural features that hinder accurate pill transfer, leading to potential errors and increased reliance on human verification processes.
Innovation Solution
A pill outflow port control nozzle assembly with a vertical and downward-facing nozzle and a manually-operated lift gate that directs pills vertically into a prescription bottle, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing spillage by optimizing the flow direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual pill counting tray is used, then the pharmacist can visually assess and remove damaged or incorrect pills, but the process is error-prone and time-consuming due to reliance on human vision and memory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical counting process with an automated imaging system that captures images of the counting tray, processes them through machine vision algorithms, and electronically determines pill counts, thereby eliminating reliance on human vision and memory while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates optical copies (images) of the pills on the counting tray, allowing electronic analysis and counting without requiring the pharmacist to manually count each pill, thus improving both accuracy and speed
2Ease of operation
If the counting surface is tilted toward the return funnel for returning uncounted pills, then uncounted pills can be returned to the bulk-stock container, but pills can be inadvertently spilled due to excessive tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlled dispensing mechanism with a gate or valve that mediates the flow of pills from the counting tray to the return funnel, allowing pills to be returned without requiring excessive tilting that would cause spillage
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a dynamically controllable gate or valve mechanism that can open and close to regulate pill flow, enabling precise control over when and how pills are returned to the bulk-stock container without inadvertent spillage
3Ease of operation
If the trough is tilted toward the dispense funnel for releasing counted pills, then pills can be dispensed into prescription containers, but pills can be inadvertently spilled due to excessive tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlled dispensing mechanism with a gate or valve that mediates the flow of pills from the counting tray through the dispense funnel, allowing pills to be dispensed into prescription containers without requiring excessive tilting that would cause spillage
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a dynamically controllable gate or valve mechanism that can open and close to regulate pill flow during dispensing, enabling precise control over when and how pills are released into prescription containers without inadvertent spillage
4Productivity
If pills are directed into the trough with force to speed up the counting process, then dispensing speed increases, but pills can be inadvertently spilled due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlled dispensing mechanism that mediates the flow of pills into the trough, allowing pills to be directed with sufficient speed while preventing excessive force that would cause spillage through the regulated opening of the gate or valve
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 nozzle assembly minimizes pill spillage and enhances the accuracy of pill transfer, reducing the risk of errors and creating a more sanitary environment for dispensing operations.
Implementation Method 1
A pill outflow port control nozzle assembly for an automated pill counting system has a vertical and downward-facing nozzle... that directs pills vertically into a prescription bottle
Data Source
AI summary
A control nozzle assembly includes a port base and a lift gate and is secured to an automated pill counting system having a sloping pill outflow port. The port base includes a body for attachment to the automated counting system and a substantially-vertical and downward facing nozzle supported by the body. The nozzle has a funnel portion with a substantially-vertical passage extending therethrough. An inner side the nozzle facing the body has an opening configured for receiving at least a portion of the pill outflow port therein so that pills exiting the pill outflow port enter the nozzle and are directed downward toward the bottom outlet opening. The lift gate manually moves within a groove in the port base in a vertical direction between a blocking position which prevents the pills from entering the nozzle and a dispensing position which permits the pills to enter the nozzle.