Syringe Labeling Device Marker Scale Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing syringe labeling systems for pharmaceutical products, particularly oncological drugs, face contamination risks due to integrated labeling systems within preparation devices and fail to ensure accurate traceability and protection of marker scales during labeling.
Innovation Solution
A syringe labeling device with a carousel for transporting syringes, a robotic syringe handler, RFID reader, and label printer that separates the labeling process from the clean room environment, uses a suction system for uniform label application, and detects the syringe's marker scale to prevent label obstruction, ensuring accurate and contamination-free labeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the labeling system is integrated within the medicine preparation device, then the labeling process can be performed in the same station, but the risk of contamination to the medicine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: a medicine preparation device and a separate labeling device. The preparation device prepares medicines in a controlled environment, while the labeling device operates independently to apply labels to syringes. This segmentation eliminates the contamination risk while maintaining efficient labeling through automated transfer mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The labeling function is extracted from the medicine preparation device and implemented as a separate labeling device. This extraction removes the potential source of contamination from the sterile preparation environment while preserving the labeling capability through dedicated labeling components including label applicators and positioning mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If the label is applied without detecting the marker scale position, then the labeling process is simpler, but the marker scale may be covered by the label
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the marker scale position on the syringe before the label is applied. The detection mechanism identifies the precise location of the marker scale, and this information is used to pre-calculate and adjust the label positioning, ensuring that the label will not cover the marker scale while maintaining an streamlined labeling process.
3Reliability
If a deflection zone platen is used to affix the label, then the label can be applied with pressure, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical platen deflection system is replaced with a simpler labeling mechanism that uses controlled pressure application through alternative means. The new system achieves reliable label adhesion through simplified pressure delivery mechanisms while eliminating the complexity of deflection zone platens and associated mechanical components.
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 reduces contamination risks, enhances traceability, and ensures that the marker scale remains visible, allowing for precise and accurate labeling of syringes, even when handling cytostatic or hazardous medications, while maintaining sterility and reducing the size of the clean room.
Implementation Method 1
an arm responsible for holding the label by means of a suction system
Data Source
AI summary
A labelling device for syringes for pharmaceutical products includes a carousel that holds and transports syringes, a syringe labelling station, a syringe handler, a camera for detecting the position of the marker scale of the syringes. The syringe labelling station includes an arm responsible for holding the label by a suction system and two articulated gates arranged such that when the syringe passes therethrough, the gates apply pressure over the body of the syringe in such a way that the label is affixed uniformly over the body.