Star Distributor for Tablet Press Indentation Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for distributing tablet blanks to tablet press dies often leave indentations unfilled, limiting the capacity utilization of the tablet press.

Innovation Solution

A device with a rotating disc having indentations on its circumference, where tablet blanks are accommodated in a form-fitting manner, and an outer blank guide to prevent protrusion, along with ejectors and an acceleration mechanism to ensure each indentation is filled, synchronizing with the tablet press's rotation to align and press blanks into dies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a rotating disc with indentations is used to distribute tablet blanks, then the tablet press capacity can be fully utilized, but the complexity of the distribution device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetablet press capacity utilizationVSAvoiddistribution device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution disc is segmented into multiple circumferential indentations, each capable of holding a tablet blank. This segmentation allows simultaneous loading of multiple blanks onto the disc, enabling full utilization of the tablet press capacity while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution disc acts as an intermediary device between the tablet blank supply and the tablet press dies. It receives blanks, holds them in organized positions, and delivers them to the dies in sequence, simplifying the coordination between supply and pressing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If ejectors are used to press tablet blanks into indentations, then all indentations can be filled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindentation filling rateVSAvoidloading mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ejectors operate periodically, pressing tablet blanks into the indentations at specific intervals during the disc rotation. This periodic action ensures that all indentations are filled at the appropriate times without requiring continuous complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The ejectors are positioned to automatically press blanks into the indentations as the disc rotates, utilizing the natural rotation and positioning of the disc to facilitate the loading process without requiring additional complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures that all indentations are filled with tablet blanks, maximizing the capacity of the tablet press and maintaining the shape and integrity of the blanks during the pressing process.

Implementation Method 1

the device according to the invention has an outer blank guide in the peripheral area of the disk

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP2180993B1Star distributor
Publication Date: 2018.10.03 GRUNENTHAL GMBH
  • EP2180993B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2180993B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2180993B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for distributing tablet blanks to the dies of a tablet press. The present invention moreover relates to a system consisting of the device according to the invention and a tablet press and to a method for forming tablets from tablet blanks.