Smart Pillbox

Abstract

This invention provides a smart pillbox, including a pill storage device and a pill dispensing device. The pill storage device includes at least one pill storage cavity with a pill outlet at its lower end. The pill dispensing device includes at least one dispensing component positioned below at least one row of pill storage cavities. Each dispensing component includes at least one dispensing tool positioned below the pill outlet and capable of rotation. The dispensing tool has a dispensing groove, and during rotation, the pill outlet and the dispensing groove can overlap. Multiple pill storage cavities facilitate the storage of various medications, and multiple dispensing tools that do not interfere with each other can simultaneously dispense different types and quantities of medication. Different specifications of the guiding part and dispensing groove allow for the dispensing of different medications. Since the dispensing tool can only dispense one pill per rotation, the dispensing quantity can be precisely controlled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to a smart pillbox. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous improvement of living conditions and quality of life, as well as the advancement and perfection of medical technology, people are paying more and more attention to their health. Pillboxes have become essential household items, especially for families with elderly members suffering from chronic diseases. In daily life, many elderly people need to take medication as they age, thus, the safety of medication use among the elderly has received widespread attention. Elderly people often forget to take their medication or do not take it on time due to memory decline, and whether or not medication is taken on time has a significant impact on the user's physical and mental health.

[0003] Existing pillboxes are mostly limited to alarm clock reminders and small-box packaging. Elderly patients with chronic diseases inevitably experience missed doses, duplicate doses, or forgetting to take medication during long-term medication use. These improper medication practices can lead to adverse consequences, jeopardizing the health of the elderly. In recent years, smart pillboxes with intelligent reminder functions have emerged to assist patients with chronic diseases in adhering to medication guidelines; however, they currently have many shortcomings.

[0004] In the prior art, for example, Chinese invention patent CN216091453U discloses a smart pillbox, including a shell, with multiple medicine storage tanks at the top inside the shell, a pre-storage tube connected to the bottom of the medicine storage tanks, and a dispensing mechanism below the pre-storage tube. The dispensing mechanism is connected to the medicine storage box at the bottom of the shell through a collection tube. The shell also contains an information input module, a clock module, an alarm module, and a controller. The information input module scans and identifies the type of medicine; the dispensing mechanism allocates the number of doses each time; the clock module generates a time signal; the alarm module reminds the user to take the medicine when the reminder time is reached; the controller sets the reminder time, sends an alarm signal to the alarm module and a control signal to the dispensing mechanism when the reminder time is reached, so that the medicine falls into the medicine storage box through the collection tube. After the medication is dispensed by the dispensing mechanism, it is temporarily stored in the storage box through a collection tube. Since all medications are dispensed through the same dispensing mechanism, when multiple medications need to be taken at the same time, multiple doses need to be taken to retrieve all the required medications. Moreover, since all medications fall into the storage box through the collection tube, taking multiple medications at once may cause the collection tube to malfunction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, this invention patent provides an intelligent pillbox that uses multiple independent dispensing devices to dispense medicine simultaneously, thereby solving the technical problem in the prior art that multiple medicines cannot be dispensed at the same time.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is as follows:

[0007] A smart pillbox includes a pill storage device and a pill dispensing device. The pill storage device includes at least one pill storage cavity with a pill outlet at its lower end. The pill dispensing device includes at least one pill dispensing component disposed below at least one row of pill storage cavities. The pill dispensing component includes at least one pill dispenser disposed below the pill outlet and is rotatable. The pill dispenser has a pill dispensing groove, and the pill outlet and the pill dispensing groove can overlap during rotation.

[0008] Preferably, the medicine dispenser is sleeved on the rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft can drive the medicine dispenser to rotate.

[0009] Preferably, the medicine dispenser is provided with at least a first suction member, and the rotating shaft is provided with a second suction member, wherein the first suction member and the second suction member can be attracted together.

[0010] Preferably, the medicine dispenser is an electromagnetic component, which can be attracted to the rotating shaft when energized.

[0011] Preferably, the medicine dispensing device further includes a driving component, which includes a driving gear and at least one driven gear. The driven gear is connected to one end of the rotating shaft, and the driving gear can drive at least one driven gear to rotate.

[0012] Preferably, the drive assembly further includes a motor, and the drive gear is mounted on the motor shaft of the motor, and the motor drives the drive gear to rotate.

[0013] Preferably, the medicine dispenser is detachably connected to the rotating shaft, and different medicine dispensers can be used depending on the shape of the medicine.

[0014] Preferably, the medicine dispenser is provided with an annular groove, and the medicine outlet is slidably connected to the annular groove, so as to ensure that the medicine dispenser and the medicine outlet do not slide relative to each other axially when the medicine dispenser rotates.

[0015] Preferably, the medicine dispensing device further includes a medicine dispenser, which is located directly below the medicine dispensing device.

[0016] Preferably, the drug storage device includes a drug storage chamber and a drug delivery section. The drug delivery section is located directly below the drug storage chamber. The drug delivery section is detachably connected to the drug storage chamber. Different drug delivery sections are selected according to the type of drug stored in the drug storage chamber.

[0017] Preferably, the smart pillbox further includes a box body, which includes an upper box body and a lower box body. The medicine storage device is disposed in the upper box body, and the medicine dispensing device is disposed in the lower box body. The upper box body is snapped onto the upper box body directly above the lower box body.

[0018] Preferably, the smart pillbox further includes a pillbox lid for covering the medicine storage device.

[0019] Preferably, the housing is further provided with a controller, which controls the rotation of the motor and the relay switch of the first engaging member.

[0020] Preferably, the box body is further provided with an information input module and a clock module. The medicine dispensing device, the information input module and the clock module are respectively connected to the controller. The controller is used to set the reminder time and send a control signal to the medicine dispensing device to control the medicine dispensing device to dispense medicine when the reminder time is reached.

[0021] Preferably, the box is further provided with an alarm module, which is connected to the controller. The controller has a preset weight threshold. When the weight of the medicine falling into the dispensing device is higher than the weight threshold, the controller controls the alarm module to remind the user to take the medicine.

[0022] Preferably, the smart medicine box has a display screen on its outer side for displaying the type and quantity of preset medications and the reminder time.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following advantages:

[0024] The multiple storage chambers facilitate the storage of various medications, basically meeting the needs of most families. Furthermore, the invention features multiple dispensing devices, each operating independently, allowing for the simultaneous dispensing of all required medications in one go, regardless of the quantity. In addition, the different sizes of the dispensing slots on the delivery unit and dispensing devices mean that when taking different sizes of medication, simply changing the delivery unit and dispensing device to the appropriate size is sufficient. Moreover, since each dispensing device dispenses only one tablet per rotation, the amount of medication dispensed can be precisely controlled. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is an isometric schematic diagram of a smart pillbox according to one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a smart pillbox according to one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 A partial view of a smart pillbox according to one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 An axonometric sectional view of a smart pillbox according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a logic diagram of a smart pillbox according to one embodiment.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Medicine box cover; 2. Upper box body; 3. Lower box body; 4. Drive gear; 5. Motor; 6. Driven gear; 7. Medicine storage chamber; 8. Medicine guide; 9. Medicine dispenser; 10. Rotating shaft; 11. Medicine dispenser; 12. Medicine outlet; 13. Medicine dispensing groove; 14. Annular groove; 16. First suction component; 17. Second suction component; 18. Drive assembly; 19. Medicine storage device; 20. Medicine dispensing assembly; 21. Medicine dispensing device; 22. Box body; 23. Display screen; 201. Information input module; 202. Clock module; 203. Pressure sensor; 204. Motor; 205. Alarm module; 206. Controller; 207. Relay switch. Detailed Implementation

[0031] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of this invention can be combined with each other. The technical solutions of this invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this invention. This invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described below.

[0032] It should be understood that the same or similar reference numerals in the accompanying drawings of the embodiments correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this invention, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" indicate orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms describing positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting this patent. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 A smart pillbox includes a pill storage device 19 and a pill dispensing device 21. The pill storage device 19 includes at least one pill storage cavity 7, and a pill outlet 12 is provided at the lower end of the pill storage cavity 7. The pill dispensing device 21 includes at least one pill dispensing component 20, which is disposed below at least one row of pill storage cavities 7. The pill dispensing component 20 includes at least one pill dispenser 9, which is disposed below the pill outlet 12 and is rotatable. The pill dispenser is provided with a pill dispensing groove 13, and the pill outlet 12 and the pill dispensing groove 13 can overlap during rotation.

[0034] The multiple storage chambers facilitate the storage of various medications, basically meeting the needs of most families. Furthermore, the invention features multiple dispensing devices 9, each operating independently, allowing for the simultaneous dispensing of all required medications in different quantities. Additionally, the different sizes of the dispensing slots 13 on the delivery unit 8 and dispensing devices 9 mean that when taking different sizes of medication, simply changing the delivery unit and dispensing device to the appropriate size is sufficient. Moreover, since each dispensing device can only dispense one tablet per rotation, the dispensing quantity can be precisely controlled. The storage chambers are arranged in a 3×3, 4×4, or 5×5 square array, allowing for the selection of different sizes depending on the needs.

[0035] In some embodiments, the medicine dispenser 9 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 10, and the rotating shaft 10 can drive the medicine dispenser 9 to rotate. The medicine dispenser 9 is at least partially provided with a first suction member 16, and the rotating shaft 10 is partially provided with a second suction member 17, and the first suction member 16 and the second suction member 17 can be attracted together.

[0036] Each rotating shaft is equipped with multiple dispensing devices 9, which do not interfere with each other. During the dispensing process, energizing the first suction member 16 causes it to engage with the second suction member 17, integrating the dispensing device 9 with the rotating shaft 10. The rotation of the rotating shaft 10 then drives the dispensing device 9 to rotate. Alternatively, the dispensing device 9 and the rotating shaft 10 can be controlled by a snap-fit ​​mechanism or other mechanisms to control the dispensing of each device. Each dispensing port 12 is equipped with a dispensing device 9. When medication is needed, energizing the first suction member 16 of the dispensing device 9 below the desired dispensing port causes the rotating shaft 10 to drive the dispensing device 9 to rotate. During rotation, when the dispensing groove 13 aligns with the dispensing port 12, the tablet in the guiding part 8 falls into the dispensing groove 13. After the dispensing device 9 rotates one revolution, the tablet falls into the dispensing device 11 below it.

[0037] Preferably, the medicine dispensing device 21 further includes a drive assembly 18, which includes a driving gear 4 and at least one driven gear 6. The driven gear 6 is connected to one end of the rotating shaft 10, and the driving gear 4 can drive at least one driven gear 6 to rotate. The drive assembly 18 also includes a motor 5, and the driving gear 4 is mounted on the motor shaft of the motor 5, which drives the driving gear 4 to rotate.

[0038] When motor 5 is working, the rotation of the motor shaft drives the drive gear 4 to rotate, which in turn drives the driven gear 6 to rotate. The driven gear 6 is mounted at one end of the rotating shaft 10, and its rotation drives the rotating shaft 10 to rotate, which in turn drives the medicine dispenser 9 to rotate. Because the motor 5 operates at a relatively high speed, the diameter of the drive gear 4 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the driven gear 6 to reduce the rotational speed, ensuring that the medicine dispenser 9 rotates at a suitable speed to ensure proper dispensing of medicine. In addition, the drive mechanism is not limited to gear transmission; belt transmission, chain transmission, or other drive structures can also be used.

[0039] Furthermore, the dispensing device 9 is detachably connected to the rotating shaft 10, allowing for the replacement of different dispensing devices 9 depending on the shape of the medicine. In daily life, there are many types of medicines, each with different shapes and sizes. To facilitate dispensing, the dispensing slots 13 on the dispensing device 9 are provided with different specifications. For tablets with similar sizes, a dispensing device of the same specification can be used. For medicines with significantly different sizes, different dispensing devices can be used, mainly categorized as capsule dispensing devices and tablet / pill dispensing devices.

[0040] As a preferred embodiment, the medicine dispenser is provided with an annular groove 14 to ensure that the medicine dispenser 9 and the medicine outlet 12 do not slide relative to each other axially when the medicine dispenser 9 rotates. During the medicine dispensing process, the medicine outlet and the medicine dispenser may come into contact and slide relative to each other. In order to ensure that the medicine from the medicine outlet falls accurately into the medicine dispensing slot on the medicine dispenser, it is necessary to avoid relative sliding between the medicine outlet and the medicine dispenser. The annular groove 14 is provided so that the end of the medicine guide 8 can be locked into the annular groove 14, ensuring that the medicine outlet 12 can only rotate along the annular groove 14 and cannot slide along the axial direction of the medicine dispenser. This ensures that the medicine can fall accurately into the medicine dispensing slot during rotation, thus realizing the medicine dispensing function.

[0041] In some preferred embodiments, the drug dispensing device 21 further includes a dispensing device 11, which is positioned directly below the drug dispensing device 9. The drug dispensing device 9 removes the drug from the drug guiding section 8. After the drug dispensing device 9 rotates half a turn, the drug dispensing groove 13 faces vertically downwards. The dispensing device can temporarily store the drug removed by the drug dispensing device 9. After the entire drug dispensing process is completed, all the temporarily stored drug is removed through the dispensing device 11.

[0042] Furthermore, the drug storage device 19 includes a drug storage cavity 7 and a drug guiding part 8. The drug guiding part 8 is located directly below the drug storage cavity 7. The drug guiding part 8 is detachably connected to the drug storage cavity 7. Different drug guiding parts 8 are selected according to the type of drug stored in the drug storage cavity 7.

[0043] Because the tablets have different shapes, the dispensing port 12 has different shapes. These different shapes correspond to different drug delivery parts 8, mainly categorized as capsule-type, tablet-type, and pill-type drug delivery parts. Different types of drug delivery parts 8 are paired with corresponding dispensing devices 9. The drug delivery parts 8 and the drug storage chamber 7 are detachably connected, facilitating the replacement of different types of drug delivery parts 8. This allows for quick and easy replacement with a matching drug delivery part when changing to different types of medication, improving the applicability of the medicine box.

[0044] Preferably, the smart pillbox further includes a box body 22 and a pillbox lid 1. The box body 22 includes an upper box body 2 and a lower box body 3. The medicine storage device 19 is disposed in the upper box body 2, and the medicine dispensing device 21 is disposed in the lower box body 3. The upper box body 2 is snapped onto the lower box body 3 directly above it, and the pillbox lid 1 is disposed directly above the medicine storage device 19.

[0045] By placing all components inside the box, damage to the internal components from the outside can be reduced, which can extend the service life of the smart pillbox to a certain extent. On the other hand, it can improve the safety of using the smart pillbox. In addition, some drugs need to be stored away from light or in a sealed environment. The box body 22 and the pillbox lid 1 can also form a sealed space, which is conducive to the light-proof storage of drugs and avoids the drugs from being exposed to the air for a long time, which would cause the drugs to become ineffective or deteriorate.

[0046] Preferably, the box body 22 also contains a controller 206, which controls the rotation of the motor 5 and the relay switch 207 of the first suction member. The controller 206 is the control center, where all information is stored in registers. The controller 206 converts input signals into output signals through an A / D conversion unit, controlling the entire medicine dispensing process of the smart medicine box and achieving precise control.

[0047] In some embodiments, the housing 22 also includes an information input module 201 and a clock module 202. The dispensing device 21, the information input module 201, and the clock module 202 are connected to the controller 206. The controller 206 is used to set a reminder time and, when the reminder time is reached, sends a control signal to the dispensing device 21 to control it to dispense the medication. The information input module 201 can input medication information into the controller 206 through scanning, manual input, voice input, or other input methods, facilitating the setting of the number of rotations of the dispensing device 9 and thus the setting of the dispensing quantity, ensuring that the dispensing device dispenses an accurate amount of medication.

[0048] Furthermore, an alarm module 205 is also provided inside the box 22. The alarm module 205 is connected to the controller 206. A pressure sensor 203 is provided at the bottom of the dispensing device 11. The controller 206 has a preset weight threshold. When the weight of the medicine falling into the dispensing device exceeds the weight threshold, the pressure sensor 203 outputs a signal to the controller 206, and the controller 206 controls the alarm module to remind the user to take the medicine. The clock module 202 generates a time signal to facilitate setting the medication time. In conjunction with the alarm module 205 and the pressure sensor 203, when the prescribed amount of medicine is taken, the pressure sensor 203 sends a signal to the alarm module 205, and the alarm module 205 generates an alarm signal to remind the user to take the medicine. For example, the alarm signal can be a voice alarm, reminding the user to take the medicine while also reminding the user of precautions and the efficacy of the medicine.

[0049] The smart pillbox 22 has a display screen 23 on its outer side, which displays the types and quantities of preset medications and reminder times. The display screen 23 allows for setting the time and dosage, as well as viewing basic information about the medications stored in the storage compartment 7. Furthermore, the display screen 23 allows for operation of the smart pillbox to retrieve medication via touch-screen buttons, and also displays the stored medication level for timely replenishment, preventing unexpected situations caused by insufficient medication in the storage compartment 7.

[0050] In addition to the above, smart pillboxes can also be equipped with human-computer interaction functions. The entire process of using the smart pillbox, including storing medication, entering information, setting time, and retrieving medication, can be controlled by voice. For example, each time the smart pillbox's voice system is used, "Hi, Xiao Zhi" can be used as the trigger. After triggering the system, the desired function can be achieved through voice commands. Upon receiving the voice command, the system transmits it to the controller, which converts the command into an output signal and controls the smart pillbox to perform the corresponding action to meet the user's needs.

[0051] For example, when using a pillbox, various medications are stored in the storage chamber according to their type. The frequency and time of daily use for each medication, as well as the dosage for each dose, are set. A timer is then started. At the set time, the pillbox begins dispensing the medication. Once the medication has been dispensed, an alarm sounds to remind the user to take the medication. The alarm stops when the user removes the medication from the pillbox.

[0052] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart pillbox, characterized in that, include: A medicine storage device, the medicine storage device comprising at least one row of medicine storage chambers, wherein a medicine outlet is provided at the lower end of each medicine storage chamber; as well as A medicine dispensing device includes at least one medicine dispensing component disposed below at least one row of medicine storage chambers. The medicine dispensing component includes multiple medicine dispensers and a rotating shaft. The medicine dispensers are disposed below the medicine outlet. The rotating shaft is sleeved with the multiple medicine dispensers and can drive the medicine dispensers to rotate. Each medicine dispenser is provided with a medicine dispensing groove, and the medicine outlet and the medicine dispensing groove can overlap during rotation. At least a first suction member is provided on the medicine dispenser, and a second suction member is provided on a portion of the rotating shaft. The first suction member is an electromagnetic component, and can attract the second suction member when the first suction member is energized.

2. The smart pillbox according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medicine dispensing device also includes a drive assembly, which includes a driving gear and at least one driven gear. The driven gear is connected to one end of the rotating shaft, and the driving gear can drive at least one driven gear to rotate.

3. The smart pillbox according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive assembly also includes a motor, and the drive gear is mounted on the motor shaft, and the motor drives the drive gear to rotate.

4. The smart pillbox according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medicine dispenser is detachably connected to the rotating shaft.

5. The smart pillbox according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medicine dispenser is provided with an annular groove, and the medicine outlet is slidably connected to the annular groove.

6. The smart pillbox according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drug storage device includes a drug storage chamber and a drug guiding part. The drug guiding part is located directly below the drug storage chamber and is detachably connected to the drug storage chamber. Different drug guiding parts are selected according to the type of drug stored in the drug storage chamber.

7. The smart pillbox according to claim 3, characterized in that, The smart pillbox also includes a box body, which includes an upper box body and a lower box body. The medicine storage device is disposed in the upper box body, and the medicine dispensing device is disposed in the lower box body. The upper box body is snapped onto the upper box body directly above the lower box body.

8. The smart pillbox according to claim 1, characterized in that, The smart pillbox also includes a lid for covering the medicine storage device.

9. The smart pillbox according to claim 7, characterized in that, The box is also equipped with a controller, which controls the rotation of the motor and the relay switch of the first suction component.

10. The smart pillbox according to claim 9, characterized in that, The box also contains an information input module and a clock module. The medicine dispensing device, the information input module, and the clock module are connected to the controller. The controller is used to set the reminder time and send a control signal to the medicine dispensing device to control the medicine dispensing device to dispense the medicine when the reminder time is reached.

11. The smart pillbox according to claim 9, characterized in that, The box is also equipped with an alarm module, which is connected to the controller. The controller has a preset weight threshold. The medicine dispensing device also includes a medicine dispenser, which is located directly below the multiple medicine dispensers. When the weight of the medicine falling into the medicine dispenser exceeds the weight threshold, the controller controls the alarm module to remind the user to take the medicine.

12. The smart pillbox according to claim 7, characterized in that, The smart medicine box has a display screen on the outside of the box, which displays the types and quantities of preset medications and the reminder time.

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