Integrated Tablet Printing and Inspection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for printing and inspecting tablets require separate devices, leading to space and time constraints, increased costs, and reduced accuracy due to the inability to accurately position tablets for printing and inspect entire exteriors.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that combines tablet printing and inspection using a transfer unit, pre-printing image-capturing unit, tablet printing unit, and post-printing image-capturing unit to accurately position and inspect tablets, allowing for simultaneous printing and inspection of both surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for printing and inspecting tablets, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but device volume increases, space requirements increase, costs increase, and inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the printing device and inspection device into a single integrated system. The printing unit and image-capturing unit share a common transfer mechanism and control system, allowing both functions to be performed in one device. This merging reduces overall device volume, decreases space requirements, and lowers costs while maintaining the functional capabilities of both separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously - it can print information on tablets and inspect tablet exteriors for defects. The transfer unit serves both the printing process and the inspection process, and the control system coordinates both functions. This multi-functionality allows one device to replace what previously required two separate devices.
2Reliability
If separate devices are used for printing and inspecting tablets, then each device can operate independently, but inspection time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device allows printing and inspection to occur in continuous sequence without interrupting the tablet transfer. Tablets are transferred through the printing unit and then immediately through the inspection unit in one continuous process. This eliminates the time loss that would occur if tablets needed to be stopped, transferred between separate devices, or repositioned for inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The image-capturing unit is positioned to inspect tablets immediately after they pass through the printing unit, while the tablets are still on the transfer mechanism. This preliminary inspection approach allows defect detection to occur during the same transfer cycle used for printing, rather than requiring a separate inspection phase.
3Device complexity
If only a sensor is installed before printing, then the device structure is simple, but printing accuracy decreases because approximate positions cannot be precisely determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical sensors with an image-capturing system (camera) that provides visual feedback on tablet positions and orientations. This optical system captures images of the tablets on the transfer unit, allowing the control system to precisely determine tablet locations and adjust printing positions accordingly. This substitution dramatically improves printing accuracy while adding reasonable complexity to the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The image-capturing unit provides real-time visual feedback on tablet positions and orientations before printing occurs. The control system uses this feedback information to calculate precise printing positions and orientations, ensuring accurate printing even when tablets are not perfectly positioned on the transfer unit. This feedback loop enables high printing accuracy without requiring extremely precise mechanical positioning.
4Reliability
If inspection is performed after printing with separate devices, then printing and inspection can be independently optimized, but entire tablet exteriors cannot be inspected
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device combines printing and inspection functions in one system, allowing the image-capturing unit to inspect entire tablet exteriors including all surfaces. The transfer unit is designed to rotate or reposition tablets so that all exterior surfaces pass by the image-capturing unit, enabling complete inspection coverage that would be difficult to achieve with separate devices.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device for simultaneously performing printing of tablets and inspection on exteriors of the tablets, and provides a device for printing a tablet and inspecting an exterior of the tablet, comprising a transfer unit arranging and transferring tablets supplied from a tablet supplier in a line; a pre-printing image-capturing unit located on a transfer path on which the tablets are transferred to discriminate positions and orientations of the tablets, and disposed to capture images of exteriors of the tablets being transferred; a tablet printing unit located next to the pre-printing image-capturing unit on the transfer path on which the tablets are transferred, and printing the tablets being transferred, in consideration of discriminated results acquired from the images captured by the pre-printing image-capturing unit; and a post-printing image-capturing unit located next to the tablet printing unit on the transfer path on which the tablets are transferred, and capturing images of exteriors of the printed tablets being transferred, to inspect the images or printed results of the printed tablets. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of functions may be performed with a single device, to maximize work efficiency in time and space, and reduce costs.