Vacuum Cannula Handling With Position Correction for Syringe Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The automated production of syringes requires a reliable and efficient method to separate individual cannulas from a stock and ensure they are correctly positioned for downstream processing steps.
Innovation Solution
A supply device with a cannula magazine, removal carriage, and vacuum-assisted cannula receptacles, along with a position correction device, sensors, and a controller to align and fix cannulas in a target position, using vacuum and grippers for secure handling and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cannulas are removed from the magazine using gravity and a pusher, then the supply process is simplified, but the cannulas cannot be reliably fixed during movement causing potential loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vacuum technology (pneumatics) by connecting the removal carriage to a vacuum source. The vacuum acts on the cannula through the cannula receptacle to securely fix the cannula during movement, preventing loss while maintaining an otherwise simple removal process using gravity and pusher
2Ease of operation
If cannulas are removed without position control, then the handling is simpler, but the cannulas cannot be transferred in a defined position to downstream devices
Solution Approach 1:
The position correction device applies preliminary corrective action to the cannula's position. Sensors detect positional deviations, and the correction device actively compensates for these deviations by rotating and/or translating the cannula to achieve the target position, preventing positioning errors from affecting downstream processes
3Manufacturing precision
If a position correction device is added to align cannulas, then the cannulas can be transferred in defined positions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with a combination of vacuum fixation and an active position correction system using sensors and controlled actuators. This substitution allows for precise positioning through feedback control rather than through complex mechanical design
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
Enhances the reliability and efficiency of cannula handling by preventing loss and ensuring precise positioning, thereby simplifying the supply process and improving productivity in downstream processing.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum can be generated which can act on the cannula receptacle, and on a cannula placed therein, via a connection between the at least one cannula receptacle and the vacuum source
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to improvements in the technical field of supplying cannulas (2). For this purpose, there is proposed, inter alia, a supply device (1), the removal carriage (4) of which includes at least one cannula receptacle (6) for accommodating a cannula (2), said cannula receptacle (6) being connectable or connected to a vacuum source (7) in order for a cannula (2) to be fixed in the cannula receptacle (6).