Abstract: A pharmaceutical tablet coating and dissolution simulation device, comprising a housing 101, a touch interactive display panel 103 receive user input commands, an imaging unit 104 perform tablet surface texture recognition and compositional analysis, multiple boxes 105 arranged with a motorized valve that dispenses predefined quantities of materials into a blending container 106, a first electronic nozzle dispenses a measured volume of solution into vessel 107, a motorized stirrer 108 homogenizing mixture, a filtration receptacle 109 integrated with a replaceable filter paper element for removing undissolved residues from solution, an extendable rod 111 integrated with a circular slider 112 with a scoop 113 at free-end, to extract a sample of solution and release sample from a predefined height back into solution, a second electronic nozzle dispenses the prepared solution into a final storage chamber 114, a third electronic nozzle dispenses fluids into a separate cuboidal member 118.
Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical tablet coating and dissolution simulation device that is developed for the preparation, coating, and dissolution testing of pharmaceutical tablets. More specifically, the device provides real-time monitoring, analysis, and adjustment of various parameters such as tablet composition, dissolution behaviour, and coating thickness to enhance the precision, efficiency, and quality of pharmaceutical tablet production, thereby improving manufacturing processes in pharmaceutical production facilities and laboratories by automating tablet preparation and testing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the pharmaceutical industry, making and coating tablets has traditionally been a complex and time-consuming process. Workers typically used manual equipment such as mixing containers, coating pans, and dispensers to prepare tablets. These tasks often required a lot of human oversight and the use of basic tools to measure and mix ingredients. However, this method has many drawbacks, such as inconsistency in coating thickness, dosage, and the quality of the final product. Since tablets need to meet strict standards for things like dissolution rate and coating uniformity, this manual process often led to errors or wasted materials. Additionally, workers had to rely on their judgment for key decisions, which meant the results could vary from batch to batch. There was also little ability to monitor or adjust the process in real time, leading to inefficiencies and sometimes costly mistakes in the production of pharmaceutical tablets.
[0003] In the early days, the manufacturing of tablets was entirely manual. The process involved workers manually weighing and mixing ingredients, followed by hand-pressing the mixture into tablet molds. For coating, workers used simple pans or containers in which the tablets were placed and rotated manually, with a coating solution applied by hand or by basic sprayers. This method was labour-intensive and time-consuming. So, people also use fully automated tablet presses, coating systems, and mixing machines. These systems produce large volumes of tablets quickly and with more consistent results. Additionally, automated coating pans, spray guns, and drying systems improve the uniformity of coatings. However, the automation introduced complex machinery that required skilled operators to manage, which limited widespread adoption. Also, some processes still involved excess coating materials, leading to inefficiency and waste.
[0004] CN221904837U discloses about an invention that includes a tablet coating device, comprising a processing tank, wherein the top side wall of the processing tank is detachably connected to a motor through screws, a spiral rod is arranged inside the processing tank, the spiral rod is detachably connected to the output end of the motor through the top end thereof, an outer wall of the processing tank near the bottom edge is fixedly connected to an outer plate, a spiral sleeve inside the outer plate is connected to an electric heating wire, the outer plate is filled with heat-insulating cotton, a conical material guide pipe is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the processing tank, and an end of the material guide pipe away from the processing tank is detachably connected to a conveying box. The utility model has the following advantages: the interior of the processing tank can be heated and heated via the arranged electric heating wire, so as to dry the tablets covered with coating in the processing tank, and drying while mixing can ensure that the coating agent stably covers the tablets, thereby reducing the number of independent dryers used in traditional production, and the arranged conveying box is connected to the processing tank via the material guide pipe.
[0005] CN221452439U discloses about an invention that includes rapid dissolution equipment for atorvastatin calcium tablets, which comprises two support plates, a dissolution barrel is fixedly mounted between the two support plates, a stirring rod is rotatably mounted in the dissolution barrel, and a plurality of stirring paddles are fixedly mounted on the side wall of the stirring rod; according to the atorvastatin calcium tablet dissolving device, atorvastatin calcium tablets are ground through the two pressing rollers, ground atorvastatin calcium tablet powder enters the dissolving barrel through the discharging hopper, a proper amount of solvent is put into the dissolving barrel through the liquid conveying pipe, and at the moment, the first motor is started to stir the internal solution; due to the fact that atorvastatin calcium tablets are smashed and stirred by the stirring paddle, rapid dissolution is achieved, the solution obtained after full dissolution is pumped out through the infusion pump to enter the material collecting barrel, then the solution of the atorvastatin calcium tablets can be obtained, and the practical performance and the dissolution efficiency of the device are improved.
[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of performing coating and dissolution of pharmaceutical tablet. However, these devices fail to dispense multiple types of pharmaceutical materials in precise quantities, leading to improper tablet formulations. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in performing real-time monitoring of tablets behaviour during dissolution.
[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to allow for the integration and automated dispensing of multiple types of pharmaceutical materials (such as excipients and active ingredients) in precise quantities to achieve desired tablet formulations. In addition, the developed device also needs to enable in-depth pharmacokinetic analysis of tablets through real-time monitoring of their behaviour during dissolution, thereby aiding in the development of optimized pharmaceutical formulations.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of automatically preparing and coating pharmaceutical tablets with precise control over tablet composition, coating thickness, and dissolution properties based on user input.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that ensure uniformity and consistency in tablet coating, dissolution rates, and other quality parameters, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing human error.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that provides a means for optimizing tablet hardness, brittleness, and solubility behaviour through automated adjustment of parameters based on real-time data analysis.
[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical tablet coating and dissolution simulation device that facilitate the automated formulation and surface coating of pharmaceutical tablets, in view of ensuring exact regulation of tablet ingredients, layer thickness, and dissolution characteristics according to the specifications provided by the user.
[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a pharmaceutical tablet coating and dissolution simulation device comprises of, a housing configured with multiple chambers adapted to store multiple types of pharmaceutical tablets, a touch interactive display panel is mounted on outer surface of the housing, configured to receive user input commands including tablet composition, dosage, target dissolution rate, and desired coating thickness, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed inside the housing, configured to perform real-time tablet surface texture recognition and compositional analysis using vision-based AI protocols, plurality of boxes provided inside the housing, each stored with biomedical and pharmaceutical materials, a motorized valve operatively connected to a collapsible pipe coupled to each boxes for dispensing predefined quantities of the materials into a blending container installed inside the housing, a water storage vessel integrated with a Peltier unit provided inside the housing for heating water to a predefined temperature, a first electronic nozzle is connected to the container for dispensing a measured volume of the solution into the vessel, a motorized stirrer is mounted at base of the vessel for homogenizing the mixture, enabling dissolution of water-soluble polymers, a filtration receptacle positioned adjacent to the water storage vessel and fluidly connected via a conduit equipped with a motorized iris lid, the filtration receptacle comprising a funnel mounted at a top surface and integrated with a replaceable filter paper element for removing the undissolved residues from the solution, and an extendable rod installed inside the housing and integrated with a circular slider with a scoop at free-end, configured to extract a sample of the solution and release the sample from a predefined height back into the solution.
[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a second electronic nozzle connected to a tube mounted on the sidewall of the filtration receptacle, to dispense the prepared solution into a final storage chamber provided underside the filtration receptacle, the final storage chamber comprises of a mesh-divided frame with motorized hinges for submerging tablets placed via a telescopic gripper provided inside the housing into the solution for uniform coating, a motorized slider is provided on inner lateral wall of the final chamber, configured to translate the mesh inside the solution, resulting of immersing of the tablets, multiple storage units are provided inside the housing stored with hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and electrolytes to simulate stomach fluids for drug dissolution, a third electronic nozzle with a fluid passage is connected to each storage units for dispensing the fluids into a separate cuboidal member provided inside the housing, followed by actuation of the gripper to transfer the coated pills inside the member, an extendable V-type link, attached inside the housing via a motorized ball-and-socket joint configured to retrieve the coated pill from the member and dispense into a testing container for accurate dissolution observation via the imaging unit, detecting changes in pill structure, surface integrity, size reduction, and opacity levels during the dissolution process, allowing for review, export, and comparison with desired pharmacokinetic targets and a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.
[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pharmaceutical tablet coating and dissolution simulation device
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.
[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0021] The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical tablet coating and dissolution simulation device that enable the precise creation and coating of pharmaceutical tablets by providing controlled adjustments to the tablet's composition, coating thickness, and dissolution behaviour in accordance with the parameters set by the user.
[0022] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a pharmaceutical tablet coating and dissolution simulation device is illustrated, comprising a housing 101 configured with multiple chambers 102, a touch interactive display panel 103 is mounted on outer surface of the housing 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed inside the housing 101, plurality of boxes 105 provided inside the housing 101, a blending container 106 installed inside the housing 101, a water storage vessel 107 provided inside the housing 101, a motorized stirrer 108 is mounted at base of the vessel 107, a filtration receptacle 109 positioned adjacent to the water storage vessel 107, and filtration receptacle 109 comprising a funnel 110 mounted at a top surface, an extendable rod 111 installed inside the housing 101 and integrated with a circular slider 112 with a scoop 113 at free-end.
[0023] Figure 1 further illustrates a final storage chamber 114 provided underside the filtration receptacle 109, the final storage chamber 114 comprises of a mesh-divided frame 115, a telescopic gripper 116 provided inside the housing 101, multiple storage units 117 are provided inside the housing 101, a separate cuboidal member 118 provided inside the housing 101, an extendable V-type link 119, attached inside the housing 101, a testing container 120 installed inside the housing 101, a motorized slider 121 is provided on inner lateral wall of the final chamber 114.
[0024] The device disclosed herein comprising a housing 101 that is structurally configured with multiple chambers 102, each chamber 102 being adapted to accommodate and segregate various types of pharmaceutical tablets based on distinct formulations or classifications, thereby enabling organized storage, selective access, and efficient handling of different tablet categories within a unified enclosure for subsequent processing or dispensing operations.
[0025] On outer surface of the housing 101 a touch interactive display panel 103 is installed that enable user to provide touch input commands regarding tablet composition, dosage, target dissolution rate, and desired coating thickness. The touch interactive display panel 103 as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding tablet composition, dosage, target dissolution rate, and desired coating thickness. A touch controller is typically connected to the microcontroller through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).
[0026] The microcontroller analyzes the command of the user and actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed inside the housing 101. The imaging unit 104 disclosed herein comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surroundings and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 104 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 104 also comprises of the processor which processes the captured images.
[0027] This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data which are processed by the microcontroller to perform real-time tablet surface texture recognition and compositional analysis.
[0028] The microcontroller, operatively associated with the imaging unit 104, is configured to perform selection of biomedical and pharmaceutical materials, as well as determine the corresponding application thickness, based on user-defined input and image-derived tablet parameters. The imaging unit 104 conducts a visual assessment of the tablet’s surface characteristics and structural attributes, which are processed and relayed to the microcontroller for analytical comparison. Based on this analysis, the microcontroller selects appropriate materials—comprising, but not limited to, Ethylcellulose, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), or combinations thereof—and determines the optimal thickness required to achieve the desired coating or compositional outcome, in accordance with specified pharmaceutical standards and operational protocols.
[0029] A plurality of boxes 105 (preferably 2 to 6 in numbers) is positioned within the housing 101, each individually designated for the storage of distinct biomedical and pharmaceutical materials. The configuration of these boxes 105 facilitates organized containment and selective access to various material types required for formulation and coating processes.
[0030] The microcontroller, upon receiving the required formulation parameters, initiates the dispensing process by activating a motorized valve that is functionally linked to a collapsible pipe connected to the boxes 105. This setup allows for the controlled release of a specific quantity of the selected biomedical or pharmaceutical material. The material flows through the collapsible pipe and is accurately delivered into a blending container 106 positioned within the housing 101. This controlled actuation ensures that only the required amount of material, as determined by user input, is dispensed into the blending container 106, facilitating precise formulation and consistency in the preparation process.
[0031] The motorized valve operates through an electric actuator that receives a signal from the microcontroller, triggering rotational or linear movement depending on the valve type. Upon receiving the signal, the actuator drives the valve stem to open or close the internal passage, thereby regulating the flow of material. When activated, the valve transitions from a closed to an open position, allowing material to pass through at a controlled rate. Once the desired quantity is dispensed, the actuator returns the valve to its closed state, ensuring precise control of flow and preventing leakage or over-dispensing during the material transfer process.
[0032] A water storage vessel 107 is integrated within the housing 101, wherein the vessel 107 is coupled with a Peltier unit. The Peltier unit is configured to regulate the temperature of the water by transferring heat in a controlled manner, ensuring the water reaches and maintains a predefined temperature suitable for the intended application.
[0033] The Peltier unit consists of two semiconductor plates, known as Peltier plates, connected in series and sandwiched between two ceramic plates. When an electric current is applied to the Peltier unit, one side of the unit absorbs heat from its surroundings, while the other side releases heat, thereby heating water to the predefined temperature.
[0034] A first electronic nozzle is operatively connected to the container 106 and is configured to dispense a measured volume of the prepared solution into the vessel 107. Upon receiving an actuation signal from the microcontroller, the nozzle opens to allow the controlled flow of the solution in precise quantities, as determined by predefined parameters.
[0035] The first electronic nozzle works by utilizing electrical energy to automize the flow of solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy. Upon actuation of nozzle by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes the incoming solution, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the solution to be sprayed out with a high force, thus dispensing a measured volume of the solution into the vessel 107.
[0036] A motorized stirrer 108 is mounted at the base of the vessel 107 and is configured to facilitate homogenization of the mixture introduced into the vessel 107. Upon actuation by the microcontroller, the stirrer 108 generates a continuous mechanical agitation within the vessel 107, ensuring uniform mixing of the components present in the solution. This homogenizing action enables effective dissolution of water-soluble polymers by maintaining consistent fluid dynamics and preventing sedimentation or stratification.
[0037] The motorized stirrer 108 operates through an electric motor that drives a rotating shaft connected to stirring blades positioned within the vessel 107. When activated, the motor transmits torque to the shaft, causing the blades to spin at a predetermined speed. This rotational movement generates a vortex within the liquid medium, continuously circulating the contents to ensure even distribution of solutes and solvents. The speed and duration of stirring are controlled electronically to match specific mixing requirements. This mechanical agitation enhances the dissolution of water-soluble polymers by maintaining consistent motion and maximizing contact between polymer particles and the heated solution.
[0038] A filtration receptacle 109 is positioned in proximity to the water storage vessel 107 and is fluidly connected thereto by a conduit, the conduit being equipped with a motorized iris lid configured to regulate the transfer of liquid. The filtration receptacle 109 comprises a funnel 110 mounted on its top surface, which is structurally integrated with a replaceable filter paper element. This configuration is adapted to facilitate the passage of the heated solution into the receptacle 109, wherein the filter paper element acts to retain and separate undissolved residues from the fluid medium. The arrangement ensures that only the filtered solution is permitted to pass through for subsequent processing, thereby maintaining the purity and consistency of the formulation.
[0039] The iris lid comprises of a ring and a blade with multiple protrusions. The ring is fabricated with multiple grooves. The ring is installed with the motor that is actuated by the microcontroller for rotating the ring with a specified speed to regulate the opening and closing of the lid in order to regulate the transfer of liquid from the vessel 107 to filtration receptacle 109.
[0040] An extendable rod 111 is installed within the housing 101 and is mechanically integrated with a circular slider 112, the slider 112 being operatively coupled to a scoop 113 positioned at the free end of the rod 111. The rod 111 is configured to extend toward the solution contained within the filtration receptacle 109, whereby the scoop 113 extracts a representative sample of the solution. Following extraction, the rod 111 is retracted to a predefined vertical position, from which the scoop 113 releases the sample back into the solution. This controlled release from a specified height is utilized as part of a measurement procedure to assess physical properties of the solution, including density and viscosity, through subsequent observation and analysis.
[0041] The rod 111 is pneumatically actuated, wherein the pneumatic arrangement of the rod 111 comprises of a cylinder incorporated with an air piston and the air compressor, wherein the compressor controls discharging of compressed air into the cylinder via air valves which further leads to the extension/retraction of the piston. The piston is attached to the telescopic rod 111, wherein the extension/retraction of the piston corresponds to the extension/retraction of the rod 111. The actuated compressor allows extension of the rod 111 to position the scoop 113 in proximity to the filtration receptacle 109 for aiding the scoop 113 in extracting the sample of the solution and releasing the sample from a predefined height back into the solution.
[0042] The motorized circular slider 112, herein discloses consist of a motorized carriage attached to a circular rail to provide rotation to the scoop 113. Upon actuation of the motorized circular slider 112 by the microcontroller, the motor drives the carriage along the circular rail, facilitating a smooth and precise circular sliding motion of the scoop 113 in a manner that aid the scoop 113 to extract the sample of the solution and release the sample from a predefined height back into the solution.
[0043] The microcontroller measures the density of the extracted sample by utilizing data captured by the imaging unit 104, which monitors the drop time of the sample as it is released from the scoop 113 back into the solution from a predefined height. The imaging unit 104 records the duration and characteristics of the sample's descent, and the microcontroller processes this temporal data to calculate the density based on predefined calibration metrics. This enables a non-invasive and automated assessment of the solution’s physical properties, ensuring consistency and accuracy in determining the concentration and homogeneity of the mixture for subsequent pharmaceutical processing.
[0044] A second electronic nozzle is operatively connected to a tube affixed to the sidewall of the filtration receptacle 109, the configuration being adapted to facilitate controlled transfer of the filtered and prepared solution. Upon actuation by the microcontroller, the second nozzle works similarly as of first nozzle and dispenses the solution through the tube into a final storage chamber 114 positioned beneath the filtration receptacle 109.
[0045] The final storage chamber 114 comprises a mesh-divided frame 115 that is operatively integrated with motorized hinges, the assembly being configured to facilitate the controlled submersion of pharmaceutical tablets into the prepared solution. Tablets are positioned within the mesh frame 115 through the use of a telescopic gripper 116 installed inside the housing 101.
[0046] The gripper 116 is pneumatically actuated and works similarly as of rod 111 mentioned above. On getting actuated by the microcontroller the gripper 116 extends and position the tablets within the mesh frame 115 for facilitating the controlled submersion of pharmaceutical tablets into the prepared solution, for uniform coating.
[0047] Synchronously, the microcontroller regulates the actuated of the hinges. The hinges mentioned above is preferably a motorized hinges that involves the use of an electric motor to control the movement of the hinge and the connected component. The hinges provide the pivot point around which the movement occurs. The motor is the core component responsible for generating the rotational motion. It converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy, producing the necessary torque that drives the hinges. As the motor rotates, the hinge facilitates controlled and precise pivoting of the mesh-divided frame 115, which moves between raised and submerged positions. The degree of rotation and the speed of movement are configurable, allowing for exact submersion and retrieval of tablets from the solution, thereby achieving uniform and reliable tablet coating.
[0048] On inner lateral wall of the final chamber 114 a motorized slider 121 is provided that translate the mesh inside the solution, resulting of immersing of the tablets. The slider 121 consists of a pair of sliding rail fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a sliding arrangement is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in rotation of shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the slider 121 results in translation of the mesh inside the solution, resulting of immersing of the tablets.
[0049] Further the microcontroller is configured to regulate the coating parameters by analyzing the characteristics of the tablet, such as its hardness, brittleness, and solubility behaviour. These properties are detected through the imaging unit 104, which captures real-time data on the tablet’s structural integrity and solubility traits. Based on this input, the microcontroller adjusts the coating process to ensure optimal application, ensuring that the tablet meets the specified criteria for coating thickness, uniformity, and dissolution performance. This enhances the precision of the coating process, ensuring that each tablet is treated according to its unique physical properties.
[0050] A plurality of storage units 117 (preferably 2 to 6 in numbers) is positioned within the housing 101, each containing hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and electrolytes formulated to replicate gastric fluids for the purpose of drug dissolution testing. A third electronic nozzle, fluidly connected to each of the storage units 117 through an integrated passage, and works similarly as of second electronic nozzle to dispense controlled volumes of these fluids into a distinct cuboidal member 118 arranged within the housing 101.
[0051] Upon completion of the fluid transfer, the gripper 116 is re-actuated to effectuate the placement of the coated pharmaceutical tablets into the cuboidal member 118, thereby initiating exposure of the tablets to the simulated gastric environment for the purpose of evaluating dissolution characteristics under conditions representative of those in the human digestive tract.
[0052] An extendable V-type link 119 is operatively mounted within the housing 101 and mechanically coupled to a motorized ball-and-socket joint, the configuration being adapted to execute retrieval of a coated pharmaceutical tablet from the member 118 and effectuate its subsequent placement into a testing container 120. The dissolution analysis is conducted through the imaging unit 104, which is programmed to detect and record structural transformations of the tablet during the dissolution cycle, including but not limited to variations in external morphology, surface integrity degradation, dimensional reduction, and shifts in opacity levels. The data obtained from the observational process is processed for the purposes of analytical review, digital export, and comparative evaluation against predefined pharmacokinetic benchmarks to assess conformity with desired dissolution performance metrics.
[0053] The link 119 is pneumatically actuated wherein the pneumatic arrangement of the link 119 comprises of a cylinder incorporated with an air piston and the air compressor, wherein the compressor controls discharging of compressed air into the cylinder via air valves which further leads to the extension/retraction of the piston The piston is attached to the telescopic link 119, wherein the extension/retraction of the piston corresponds to the extension/retraction of the link 119. The actuated compressor allows extension of the link 119 to retrieve the coated pill from the member 118 and dispense into the testing container 120 for accurate dissolution observation.
[0054] The motorized ball and socket joint mentioned here consists of a ball-shaped element that fits into a socket, which provides rotational freedom in various directions. The ball is connected to a motor, typically a servo motor which provides the controlled movement. The link 119 is attached to the socket of the motorized ball and socket joint, the microcontroller sends precise instructions to the motor of the motorized ball and socket joint. The motor responds by adjusting the ball and socket joint and rotates the ball in the desired direction, and this motion is transferred to the socket that holds the link 119. As the ball and socket joint move, it provides the necessary movement to the link 119.
[0055] Moreover, a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device and supplying a voltage to the components. The battery used herein is preferably a Lithium-ion battery which is a rechargeable unit that demands power supply after getting drained. The battery stores the electric current derived from an external source in the form of chemical energy, which when required by the electronic component of the device, derives the required power from the battery for proper functioning of the device.
[0056] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the housing 101 as disclosed in the invention is configured with multiple chambers 102 adapted to store multiple types of pharmaceutical tablets. The touch interactive display panel 103 configured to receive user input commands including tablet composition, dosage, target dissolution rate, and desired coating thickness. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 perform real-time tablet surface texture recognition and compositional analysis using vision-based AI protocols. Plurality of boxes 105 stored with biomedical and pharmaceutical materials. Synchronously, the motorized valve operatively connected to the collapsible pipe coupled to each box 105 for dispensing predefined quantities of the materials into the blending container 106 installed inside the housing 101. The water storage vessel 107 integrated with the Peltier unit that heats water to the predefined temperature. Then the first electronic nozzle dispenses the measured volume of the solution into the vessel 107. Simultaneously, the motorized stirrer 108 homogenizing the mixture, enabling dissolution of water-soluble polymers. The filtration receptacle 109 positioned adjacent to the water storage vessel 107 and fluidly connected via the conduit equipped with the motorized iris lid. The filtration receptacle 109 comprising the funnel 110 mounted at the top surface and integrated with the replaceable filter paper element for removing the undissolved residues from the solution. The extendable rod 111 integrated with the circular slider 112 with the scoop 113 at free-end, configured to extract the sample of the solution and release the sample from the predefined height back into the solution.
[0057] In continuation, the microcontroller measures density of the sample by observing drop time from scoop 113 back into solution using the imaging unit 104. The second electronic nozzle connected to the tube dispenses the prepared solution into the final storage chamber 114 provided underside the filtration receptacle 109. And the final storage chamber 114 comprises of the mesh-divided frame 115 with motorized hinges for submerging tablets placed via the telescopic gripper 116 into the solution for uniform coating. The motorized slider 121 translates the mesh inside the solution, resulting of immersing of the tablets. Multiple storage units 117 stored with hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and electrolytes to simulate stomach fluids for drug dissolution. The third electronic nozzle connected to each storage units 117 for dispensing the fluids into the separate cuboidal member 118. At the same time the gripper 116 transfers the coated pills inside the member 118. Further the extendable V-type link 119, retrieve the coated pill from the member 118 and dispense into the testing container 120 for accurate dissolution observation via the imaging unit 104, detecting changes in pill structure, surface integrity, size reduction, and opacity levels during the dissolution process, allowing for review, export, and comparison with desired pharmacokinetic targets.
[0058] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A pharmaceutical tablet coating and dissolution simulation device, comprising:
i) a housing 101 configured with multiple chambers 102 adapted to store multiple types of pharmaceutical tablets, wherein a touch interactive display panel 103 is mounted on outer surface of said housing 101, configured to receive user input commands including tablet composition, dosage, target dissolution rate, and desired coating thickness;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed inside said housing 101, configured to perform real-time tablet surface texture recognition and compositional analysis using vision-based AI protocols, wherein a microcontroller linked with said imaging unit 104 selects a biomedical and pharmaceutical materials, and thickness based on said user input and image-derived tablet parameters;
iii) plurality of boxes 105 provided inside said housing 101, each stored with biomedical and pharmaceutical materials, wherein said microcontroller actuates a motorized valve operatively connected to a collapsible pipe coupled to each box 105 for dispensing predefined quantities of said materials into a blending container 106 installed inside said housing 101;
iv) a water storage vessel 107 integrated with a Peltier unit provided inside said housing 101 for heating water to a predefined temperature, wherein a first electronic nozzle is connected to said container 106 for dispensing a measured volume of said solution into said vessel 107, and a motorized stirrer 108 is mounted at base of said vessel 107 for homogenizing said mixture, enabling dissolution of water-soluble polymers;
v) a filtration receptacle 109 positioned adjacent to said water storage vessel 107 and fluidly connected via a conduit equipped with a motorized iris lid, said filtration receptacle 109 comprising a funnel 110 mounted at a top surface and integrated with a replaceable filter paper element for removing said undissolved residues from said solution;
vi) an extendable rod 111 installed inside said housing 101 and integrated with a circular slider 112 with a scoop 113 at free-end, configured to extract a sample of said solution and release said sample from a predefined height back into said solution, wherein said microcontroller measures density of said sample by observing drop time from scoop 113 back into solution using said imaging unit 104; and
vii) a second electronic nozzle connected to a tube mounted on the sidewall of said filtration receptacle 109, wherein said second nozzle dispenses the prepared solution into a final storage chamber 114 provided underside said filtration receptacle 109, wherein said final storage chamber 114 comprises of a mesh-divided frame 115 with motorized hinges for submerging tablets placed via a telescopic gripper 116 provided inside said housing 101 into said solution for uniform coating.
2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein biomedical and pharmaceutical supplies includes but not limited to Ethylcellulose, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and combinations thereof.
3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein multiple storage units 117 are provided inside said housing 101 stored with hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and electrolytes to simulate stomach fluids for drug dissolution, a third electronic nozzle with a fluid passage is connected to each storage units 117 for dispensing said fluids into a separate cuboidal member 118 provided inside said housing 101, followed by actuation of said gripper 116 to transfer said coated pills inside said member 118.
4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an extendable V-type link 119, attached inside said housing 101 via a motorized ball-and-socket joint configured to retrieve said coated pill from said member 118 and dispense into a testing container 120 for accurate dissolution observation via said imaging unit 104, detecting changes in pill structure, surface integrity, size reduction, and opacity levels during the dissolution process, allowing for review, export, and comparison with desired pharmacokinetic targets.
5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized slider 121 is provided on inner lateral wall of said final chamber 114, configured to translate said mesh inside said solution, resulting of immersing of said tablets.
6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller regulates coating parameters based on tablet hardness, brittleness, and solubility behavior, as detected by said imaging unit 104.
7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202541038705-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [22-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-22 |
| 2 | 202541038705-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [22-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-22 |
| 3 | 202541038705-REQUEST FOR EARLY PUBLICATION(FORM-9) [22-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-22 |
| 4 | 202541038705-PROOF OF RIGHT [22-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-22 |
| 5 | 202541038705-POWER OF AUTHORITY [22-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-22 |
| 6 | 202541038705-FORM-9 [22-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-22 |
| 7 | 202541038705-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [22-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-22 |
| 8 | 202541038705-FORM 18 [22-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-22 |
| 9 | 202541038705-FORM 1 [22-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-22 |
| 10 | 202541038705-FIGURE OF ABSTRACT [22-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-22 |
| 11 | 202541038705-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [22-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-22 |
| 12 | 202541038705-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI [22-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-22 |
| 13 | 202541038705-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION(S) [22-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-22 |
| 14 | 202541038705-DRAWINGS [22-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-22 |
| 15 | 202541038705-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [22-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-22 |
| 16 | 202541038705-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [22-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-22 |