Rotary Capsule Loader for Pneumatic Tube Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current automated systems for handling and transporting pharmacy items through pneumatic tube transport systems face challenges such as uncertainty in load carrier management, risk of incorrect addressing, entanglement of items during filling, potential damage to items, and inefficient use of space due to linear flow and manual handling requirements.

Innovation Solution

An automated device comprising a picker, capsule manipulator, and loader that integrates a rotary table with gripping devices to safely and efficiently collect, load, and transfer pharmacy items directly into capsules, ensuring accurate addressing and high filling capacity without intermediate storage, using a compact design that fits within a small floor area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual handling of capsules with rings is used, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but safety and efficiency deteriorate due to uncertainty in load carrier management and risk of incorrect addressing

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmanual handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses automatic identification and addressing where the load carrier's transponder is read and the address is automatically transferred to the capsule's transponder, eliminating manual intervention and ensuring accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical handling of capsules and rings is replaced with an automated system using transponders for identification and electronic data transfer for addressing, significantly improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If linear flow with intermediate storage is used, then handling capacity is increased, but space efficiency deteriorates due to large floor area requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling capacityVSAvoidfloor area

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a rotary table with radial arms to create a circular flow pattern instead of linear flow, allowing continuous operation while minimizing the floor space required for intermediate storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from two-dimensional linear flow to three-dimensional rotary motion, enabling multiple capsules to be handled simultaneously at different radial positions without increasing floor area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If rotary table with radial arms is used, then space efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple gripping devices and coordinate systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloor areaVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary table serves multiple functions: it positions capsules, transports them between stations, and coordinates the gripping devices. The gripping devices are designed to handle both rings and capsules, reducing the need for specialized components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates all gripping devices and rotary table movements, managing the complexity through centralized control rather than requiring complex mechanical linkages between components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If gripping devices are inserted through capsule end pieces, then filling control is improved, but risk of item damage increases during the insertion process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling controlVSAvoiditem damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary checking and positioning of items before insertion into the capsule. The gripping device is positioned and ready to receive the ring with items, ensuring proper alignment and control before the actual insertion occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system ensures that items are securely positioned and the capsule is properly oriented before the gripping device inserts through the end piece, minimizing the risk of damage during the insertion process through controlled, predetermined movements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2516300B1Device and method for automatic handling of objects in a pneumatic transport system

Publication Date: 2017.01.25 GRANITEN ENG

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A device (1) including a loading station (5) for the automatic filling of cylindrical capsules (3) with objects (100) that have given addresses, said capsules (3) being intended for pneumatic tube transport systems and including two openable end pieces (31) and a transponder with readable information about each individual capsule's identity, the loading station (5) including a gripping device (54) and a transfer unit (52), via which latter the gripping device (54) can be automatically moved, relative to a capsule (3), in a first direction in through the capsule's first end piece opening and grip an object (100) through the second end piece opening of the capsule (3) before then moving, relative to the capsule (3), in a second direction, thereby pulling the object (100) into the capsule (3) through its second end piece opening, the gripping device (54) then being able to release the object (100) inside the capsule (3) and then move, relative to the capsule (3), out of the letter's first end piece opening.