Rotary Press Modular Holding Device for Rapid Tablet Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing rotary press systems require complex and time-consuming conversions to adapt to different types of tablet production, such as 1-layer, multi-layer, or mantle-core tablets, leading to significant downtimes due to the need for manual reconfiguration of workstations and alignment of pressure roller units and filling devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of preassembled holding devices and drive systems that allow for easy attachment and detachment of pressure roller units and filling devices along the rotor's circumference, enabling flexible reconfiguration without hindering the movement of heavy components, and the use of interchangeable cam carrier segments for quicker adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual reconfiguration of workstations and alignment of pressure roller units is performed to adapt to different tablet production types, then the rotary press can be adapted to produce various types of tablets, but significant downtimes occur due to complex conversion procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different tablet production typesVSAvoiddowntime during conversion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary press is divided into modular functional units (pressure roller units, filling devices, cam carriers) that can be independently repositioned and reconfigured. Each unit can be detached and moved to different positions on the rotor without requiring complete disassembly of the system, enabling rapid adaptation to different tablet production configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable setup where pressure roller units and filling devices can be easily moved along the rotor circumference. The bearing device allows dynamic repositioning of heavy components without requiring complex alignment procedures, reducing conversion time significantly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If heavy pressure roller units are manually repositioned along the rotor circumference, then the rotary press can be reconfigured for different production types, but the heavy weight of components makes movement difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconfigurability of pressure roller unitsVSAvoidease of moving heavy components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A lifting device with a lifting element is provided to facilitate the movement of heavy pressure roller units. The lifting element can be introduced under the pressure roller unit and used to lift and reposition it along the rotor circumference, eliminating the need for manual handling of heavy components and significantly improving ease of operation during reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple filling devices and pressure roller units are distributed over the rotor circumference for multi-layer tablet production, then multi-layer tablets can be produced, but the complexity of aligning and assembling these stations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to produce multi-layer tabletsVSAvoidcomplexity of workstation arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing device serves multiple functions: it supports the rotor, provides mounting positions for pressure roller units and filling devices, and enables easy repositioning of these components. The holding devices on the bearing device provide universal attachment points that can accommodate different types of workstations, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining multi-layer tablet production capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2427325B1Rotary press, in particular for the production of tablets
Publication Date: 2018.07.04 KORSCH AG DE
  • EP2427325B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2427325B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A rotary press, in particular for the production of tablets, has a rotationally driven rotor and at least one pressure roller unit, which is releasably attached to a support device, in particular at least one support plate, by means of a holding device. According to the invention, multiple similar holding devices are arranged on the support device, wherein the pressure roller unit may be alternatively attached to one of the holding devices and/or transferred between the same.