Variable Frequency Vacuum Pill Manipulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pill packaging systems are time-consuming and prone to human error due to the manual filling of blister packs, and automated systems are costly, space-intensive, and complex to operate and maintain, with difficulties in handling small pills and adjusting vacuum control.
Innovation Solution
A pill manipulating system with a vacuum pump and a variable frequency drive that adjusts suction based on pill size and type, using a graphical user interface to select the pill type and adjust the rotational speed of the vacuum pump, and includes actuators and sensors to ensure accurate and efficient filling of blister packs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a vacuum pump is used to retain pills on prongs, then pills can be transferred to packaging cavities, but multiple pills may be suctioned at once making transfer difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the vacuum pump's rotational speed to optimize suction strength. The variable frequency drive modifies the vacuum level dynamically, allowing the system to suction pills effectively while preventing multiple pills from being retained on each prong, thus enabling controlled single-pill transfer efficiency
2Productivity
If automated vacuum systems are used to fill blister packs, then filling speed increases, but the systems become costly and complex to operate and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a graphical user interface that allows operators to independently select pill types and automatically adjust vacuum parameters. This self-service capability enables the system to adapt to different pill sizes and types without requiring complex manual adjustments or specialized training, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high filling speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The variable frequency drive provides dynamic control of the vacuum pump's rotational speed, allowing real-time adjustment of suction strength based on pill characteristics. This dynamic parameter adjustment simplifies operation across different pill types while maintaining optimal filling performance
3Reliability
If vacuum suction is increased to ensure pill retention, then pills are securely held on prongs, but the likelihood of suctioning multiple pills increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses parameter changes by implementing variable rotational speed control of the vacuum pump. Instead of using constant high suction, the variable frequency drive adjusts the vacuum level to the minimum necessary for reliable single-pill retention, preventing multiple pills from being suctioned while maintaining secure hold during transfer
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
The system reduces the likelihood of suctioning multiple pills at once, allowing for quick and accurate filling of blister packs, minimizing human error and operational complexity while being more cost-effective and space-efficient than existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum pump is provided. The pill manipulator includes a hose in fluid engagement with the vacuum pump, and at least one prong in fluid engagement with the hose. The at least one prong has an opening at one end sized to retain a pill when the pill manipulator is in a retain configuration and suction is applied
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum pump controlling assembly preferably includes a variable frequency drive, for adjusting an air flow of the vacuum pump based on a selected input
Data Source
AI summary
A pill manipulating system for filling a packaging with pills is provided, as well as a corresponding method. The system comprises a vacuum pump, a pill manipulator including a hose connected to the vacuum pump, and at least one prong. The prong(s) has/have an opening at one end sized to retain a pill when the pill manipulator is in a retain configuration and suction is applied, and to release the pill when the pill manipulator is in a release configuration and suction is reduced. The system includes a vacuum pump controlling assembly including a variable frequency drive, for adjusting an air flow of the vacuum pump based on a selected input, which is representative of a size of the pills being manipulated, thereby reducing the likelihood of having the at least one prong retaining more than one pill at a time.