Tablet Sorting Device Signal Offset Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing the correct functioning of individual sorting devices in tabletting machines are either not comprehensive or require significant interventions in the system, making them unsuitable for start-up tests and not effectively verifying the correct sorting based on permissible and impermissible compression force signals.
Innovation Solution
A sorting device with a programmable control unit and memory that applies an offset to compression force signals to identify tablets outside the permissible force interval, allowing for a test mode that generates a report and ensures correct sorting by comparing actual and target numbers of sorted tablets, and optionally using detection devices for automated verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing testing methods are used to verify individual sorting device functionality, then the sorting device can be tested, but significant system interventions are required and the testing is not comprehensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the compression force signal by generating a test signal that mimics the characteristics of actual compression forces. This virtual test signal allows comprehensive testing of the sorting device without requiring physical interventions in the tabletting machine, thus verifying functionality while avoiding system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies an offset to the compression force signal in advance to create a test signal that simulates tablets with impermissible compression forces. This preliminary modification of the signal enables the sorting device to be tested before actual production, ensuring reliability without requiring system interventions during operation
2Measurement precision
If existing testing methods are used, then some testing can be performed, but the testing does not effectively verify correct sorting based on permissible and impermissible compression force signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the compression force signal by applying an offset to create a test signal with altered parameters. This parameter change transforms valid compression force signals into test signals that simulate impermissible values, enabling precise verification of the sorting device's ability to distinguish between permissible and impermissible compression forces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the sorted tablet counts as feedback to verify sorting device functionality. By comparing the number of sorted tablets against expected values based on the offset application, the system confirms that the sorting device correctly identifies and separates tablets based on compression force signals
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
Enables comprehensive and non-invasive testing of the sorting device's functionality, ensuring accurate separation of tablets based on permissible and impermissible compression forces, and automating the transition to normal operation if the test is successful.
Implementation Method 1
strain gauges are used as part of a Wheatstone bridge circuit in order to convert the determined pressing forces into voltage signals that are proportional to them
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an individual sorting device (10) for sorting tablets which have been pressed by a tableting machine using press punches. The individual sorting device (10) comprises a tablet feed (20), a pressing force signal input (30) for receiving pressing force signals which can be assigned to the fed tablets, a programmable control unit (40), and a storage unit (50). The individual sorting device (10) is suitable for separating tablets to which an unacceptable pressing force signal can be assigned, said unacceptable pressing force signal lying outside of an accepted pressing force range, from tablets to which an acceptable pressing force signal can be assigned, said acceptable pressing force signal lying within the accepted pressing force range. A test control program is stored in the storage unit (50) for programming the control unit (40) for a test operation of the individual sorting device (10), and during the test operation, the test control program includes the offset application of pressing force signals which can be assigned to tablets that have been pressed by at least one of the pressing punches of the tableting machine. The invention further relates to a system comprising a tableting device with multiple pressing punches and with an individual sorting device (10) and to a method for checking a proper functioning of an individual sorting device (10) for a tableting device with pressing punches.