Storage Container Electrostatic Discharge for Accurate Piece Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blister machines experience electrostatic charging of small piece goods during separation, leading to sticking and incorrect dispensing of drug or food supplement portions due to friction, which affects the accuracy and availability of dosing.
Innovation Solution
A storage container with an integrated discharging device that includes a discharging projection and contactor, which electrically couples to the dispensing station to discharge electrostatic charges, minimizing adherence to the inner walls and ensuring all pieces are available for separation and dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If small piece goods are separated in the storage container, then dispensing functionality is achieved, but electrostatic charging occurs causing sticking and incorrect dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrostatic discharge elements that convert the harmful electrostatic charge into a beneficial effect by safely dissipating the charge through conductive paths to the housing, preventing sticking while maintaining separation functionality
2Productivity
If electrostatic charge accumulates on small piece goods, then separation occurs, but sticking to inner walls prevents accurate dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electrostatic discharge elements as intermediaries between the small piece goods and the housing, which mediate the electrostatic charge by providing a controlled discharge path that prevents harmful sticking while allowing separation to proceed
3Reliability
If discharging device is added to storage container, then electrostatic charges are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrostatic discharge elements with the existing separating device structure, integrating the discharge functionality into the separation mechanism itself, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining dispensing reliability
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 solution effectively reduces electrostatic charges on small piece goods, preventing sticking and ensuring accurate dispensing by maintaining all items in the storage container for separation and dispensing, thus improving the reliability of blister machines.
Implementation Method 1
discharging an electrical charge of the small piece goods in the storage container to the dispensing station
Implementation Method 2
electrically coupling the contactor of the discharging device to a dispensing station contact of the dispensing station
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of operating a storage and dispensing station include connecting a storage container containing small piece goods to a dispensing station, the storage container comprising a separating device arranged in a housing, the separating device having a top conical surface facing an upper portion of the housing, a plurality of channels and a discharging device, the discharging device comprising a projection extending upwards from the top conical surface of the separating device into the upper portion of the housing disposed above a topmost portion of the top conical surface and a contactor coupled in an electrically dischargeable manner to the projection, contacting one or more of the small piece goods by the projection, electrically coupling the contactor of the discharging device to a dispensing station contact of the dispensing station, and discharging an electrical charge of the small piece goods in the storage container to the dispensing station.