Prefilled Syringe Auger Dispensing for Compact Reliable Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for elongate items, such as pre-filled syringes, are inefficient and require significant space, and there is a need for improved reliability and tracking accuracy in dispensing and inventory management.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing mechanism using at least two helical augers with threads and channels perpendicular to the rotational axes, driven by a drive mechanism to transport items, ensuring accurate dispensing and tracking, with a separable cassette design for easy restocking and inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional dispensing systems are used for elongate items, then dispensing function is provided, but space requirement is excessive and reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is divided into modular components: a removable cassette containing multiple channels for storing elongate items, and a separate dispensing mechanism with helical augers. This segmentation allows the system to occupy less continuous space while maintaining reliable dispensing through dedicated storage and dispensing zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical augers are positioned within and around the channels in a nested arrangement, where the augers rotate within the same spatial envelope as the item storage channels. This nesting allows the dispensing mechanism to operate within the footprint of the storage area, reducing overall space requirements while ensuring reliable item transport.
2Measurement precision
If traditional dispensing mechanisms are used, then item dispensing is achieved, but tracking accuracy and inventory management are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the presence and position of elongate items within the channels and on the augers. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information about item inventory and dispensing status, enabling accurate tracking and inventory management without requiring complex manual monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical augers automatically transport items from the storage channels to the dispensing outlet through rotational motion, eliminating the need for manual item handling. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent, accurate dispensing while reducing the complexity of manual inventory management procedures.
3Productivity
If fixed dispensing systems are used, then dispensing function is provided, but restocking efficiency and adaptability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette is designed to be removable and replaceable, transforming the static storage component into a dynamic element that can be easily exchanged. This allows rapid restocking by simply replacing the entire cassette rather than manually replenishing individual items, significantly improving restocking efficiency and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette design with standardized channels can accommodate different types of elongate items, and the dispensing mechanism with adjustable augers can handle various item sizes and shapes. This universality allows the same dispensing system to be adapted for different medical supplies or medications, enhancing versatility while maintaining efficient restocking procedures.
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 provides efficient, space-saving, and reliable dispensing of elongate items like pre-filled syringes, enhancing inventory tracking and preventing illicit diversion, while ensuring accurate and secure dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
at least two helical augers having threads... configured to rotate the at least two augers to transport the items to be dispensed, driven by the threads of the augers
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing mechanism includes at least two helical augers having threads, and at least two channels configured to hold the items to be dispensed. The items to be dispensed are received at least partially within the threads of the augers. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive mechanism engaged with the at least two augers and configured to rotate the at least two augers to transport the items to be dispensed, driven by the threads of the augers, to dispense the items from the dispensing mechanism. The dispensing mechanism may include a separable dispenser and cassette.