Tape and Reel Feeding for Ingestible Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in integrating small ingestible electronic devices with pharmaceutical products like pills or tablets without damaging the delicate electronic components during the assembly process, as existing methods are inefficient and prone to handling errors.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for manufacturing tablets that utilize a tape and reel packaging system to securely store and dispense electronic devices, which are then integrated with pharmaceutical agents using a rotary tablet press, ensuring the electronic devices are handled minimally and securely attached without damage, using techniques like vacuum pick-and-place mechanisms and adhesive tapes that dissolve in liquids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional handling methods are used for small electronic devices during assembly, then the assembly process can be completed, but the electronic components are damaged due to delicate nature and handling errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidelectronic component integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A carrier tape with recesses serves as an intermediary device to hold and transport the electronic component during the assembly process. The component is placed in a recess of the carrier tape, which then feeds the component to the tablet press in a controlled manner, eliminating direct handling and preventing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual or traditional mechanical handling with an automated tape and reel feed mechanism. This automated system uses the carrier tape to mechanically transport the electronic component through the assembly process, reducing human intervention and the risk of handling damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electronic devices are securely attached to pharmaceutical products, then integration is achieved, but handling difficulty increases due to the small size of the devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration capabilityVSAvoidhandling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier tape acts as a mediator that simplifies handling of the small electronic device. Instead of handling the tiny component directly, the operator handles the larger carrier tape, which securely holds the component in its recess, making the process easier and more reliable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the handling process into two distinct stages: first, the electronic component is secured in the carrier tape recess; second, the entire carrier tape with the component is fed to the tablet press. This segmentation separates the delicate placement operation from the broader assembly operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If conventional tablet press methods are used, then pharmaceutical tablets can be manufactured, but integration with electronic components is inefficient and damaging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier tape serves as an intermediary that bridges the conventional tablet press process with electronic component integration. The tape feed mechanism delivers the electronic component to the tablet press in a controlled manner, allowing integration without the damaging effects of conventional direct-handling methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier tape system provides multiple functions: it holds the electronic component securely, feeds it to the tablet press in a controlled manner, and enables integration with the pharmaceutical manufacturing process. This multi-functional approach improves both productivity and component safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach allows for the efficient and secure integration of electronic devices with pharmaceutical products, minimizing handling and potential damage, while enabling activation upon contact with conducting fluids, such as stomach fluids, to provide a functional power source.

Implementation Method 1

adhesive tapes that dissolve in liquids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution:

Data Source

PatentEP2874886B1Techniques for manufacturing ingestible event markers comprising an ingestible component

Publication Date: 2023.12.20 OTSUKA PHARM CO LTD

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AI summary

Method and systems for manufacturing a tablet comprising an electronic device are disclosed. In one method, a powdered material is provided into a die cavity of a tablet press and an electronic device is dispensed from a tape-and-reel carrier tape operatively coupled to the tablet press into the die cavity. A system comprises a tablet press comprising a die cavity for receiving a powdered material and an electronic device therein, an upper punch, and a lower punch. The upper and lower punches are operative to form the powdered material and the electronic device into a tablet. A tape-and-reel carrier tape is operatively coupled to the tablet press, where the carrier tape is configured for holding the electronic device. A transfer mechanism is used to transfer the electronic device from the tape carrier to the die cavity.