Universal Carrier for Automated Container Labeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated labeling systems for medicament containers in pharmacies are complex and require extensive programming due to the variety of shapes and sizes, limiting their use and adaptability in the marketplace.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a pick point and labeling position agnostic to the container type, allowing picking and labeling around a common axis, simplifying the automation process and ensuring reliable label placement without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex automated labeling systems are used to handle various container shapes and sizes, then labeling capability is improved, but device complexity increases and programming requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal labeling mechanism that can handle multiple container types (cylindrical, rectangular, blister packs, bottles) through a single carrier design. The carrier is configured to accommodate various container shapes and sizes without requiring different labeling mechanisms or extensive programming changes, thus achieving multi-functionality with simplified device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The labeling system separates the container handling function (performed by the carrier) from the labeling function (performed by the labeling mechanism). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the carrier handles the diversity of container types while the labeling mechanism remains simple and focused on its single function of applying labels
2Manufacturing precision
If container-specific labeling positions are used, then label placement precision is improved, but device complexity and programming requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal labeling position on the carrier is designed to work with all container types. The carrier's configuration allows this one labeling position to accurately place labels on various container shapes and sizes through the carrier's ability to securely hold and position different containers, eliminating the need for multiple container-specific labeling positions
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is designed to self-align and self-position containers at the correct orientation for labeling. The carrier's structure naturally guides containers into the proper position, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning systems or programming to achieve precise label placement across different container types
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive programming is used to handle multiple container types, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to changeover complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed as a universal platform that physically accommodates various container types without requiring programming changes. The carrier's design allows it to securely hold different container shapes and sizes, making the system adaptable to new container types through simple physical configuration rather than complex programming
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, easily replaceable carrier configurations rather than permanent complex programming. When container types change, the carrier can be quickly reconfigured or replaced without requiring extensive programming work, making changeover simple and fast
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for labeling various shapes of containers are disclosed. The systems and methods simplify the complete process of labeling by only requiring a pick point to retrieve the container and a single labeling position that is not container specific. The picking and labeling are agnostic to the container. The system only cares that the container is picked and labeled on consistent axes. This insures reliable label placement and easy container implementation into the system.