Tablet Testing Device Gravity Alignment Groove

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tablet testing devices face challenges in efficiently and automatically measuring properties like length, width, breaking strength, and weight, especially when dealing with tablets of different shapes and sizes, often requiring complex and costly structures for alignment and positioning.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a turntable with adaptable positioning grooves that aligns tablets by gravity, allowing for quick and error-free measurement, and includes a movable support surface for easy switching between different test specimens, along with a cleaning mechanism for fragments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual placement of tablets in test stations is used, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but productivity is low and time consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidchecking speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tablet automatically aligns itself in the positioning groove through gravity and geometric constraints without requiring manual intervention or complex alignment mechanisms. The V-shaped groove design enables the tablet to self-position correctly during automated conveyance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning groove is designed in advance with specific geometric features (V-shape cross-section, inclined sides) that pre-establish the correct orientation and position of the tablet before it reaches the measurement station, eliminating the need for real-time alignment adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex alignment mechanisms like image recognition or rotating transport stars are used, then tablets of different shapes and sizes can be positioned correctly, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different tablet shapes and sizesVSAvoidalignment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning groove with V-shaped cross-section and inclined sides serves multiple functions: it guides tablets of various shapes and sizes, automatically orients them correctly, and positions them for measurement all through a single passive geometric structure, eliminating the need for multiple active alignment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning groove dimensions (width, depth, angle) can be adjusted or modified to accommodate different tablet specifications, allowing the same simple structure to adapt to various tablet shapes and sizes without requiring complex reconfiguration mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If fixed positioning structures are used, then alignment accuracy is maintained, but cleaning becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidcleaning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning groove is designed with smooth, continuous surfaces and no dead corners or recesses where debris could accumulate. The V-shaped geometry with inclined sides allows for easy runoff of particles and simplifies cleaning operations while maintaining precise alignment functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient, automatic, and error-free measurement of tablet properties across various shapes and sizes, improving productivity and simplifying handling while ensuring accurate alignment and easy cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

The groove is preferably adapted to the shape of the test piece, so that the test piece aligns itself in the groove by gravity, by assuming the deepest position.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3104157B1Testing device for tablets
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 KRAEMER THILO
  • EP3104157B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3104157B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for testing tablets, which has a rotating platform (8) designed to position a tablet (1) for testing.