Automated Sample Dispensing System for Controlled Substances

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

A significant portion of pharmaceutical products and controlled substances distributed as samples are wasted or expired, and the current distribution method is prone to diversion, random allocation, and excessive costs due to inefficient shipping and storage practices.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an automated sample dispensing unit, collateral materials printing device, product information communication device, prescription data flow management services, companion wireless devices, and robotic dispensing techniques, along with bar code scanning capabilities, to manage, distribute, and account for samples, enabling real-time inventory management and prescription tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated dispensing systems are implemented, then sample distribution efficiency and data accuracy are improved, but device complexity and initial costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample distribution efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated dispensing system is divided into separate functional modules: storage compartments for controlled substances, robotic dispensing mechanisms, bar code scanning devices, and data collection services. Each module operates independently but integrates through standardized interfaces, allowing the system to achieve high productivity while managing complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A central application server acts as an intermediary between the automated dispensing unit and pharmaceutical manufacturers' systems. The server receives data from bar code scanners, processes information about sample distribution, and provides marketing data to manufacturers, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing data processing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If manual distribution methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but waste of controlled substances increases due to random allocation and expiration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution system simplicityVSAvoidsample waste and expiration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates real-time data collection through bar code scanning at each dispensing event. This feedback loop tracks sample allocation, inventory levels, and usage patterns, allowing the automated system to optimize distribution decisions and minimize waste by ensuring samples are distributed to patients who will actually use them before expiration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-organizing controlled substances in standardized storage compartments with associated bar code identifiers. This preliminary organization enables efficient automated retrieval and tracking, reducing the likelihood of samples being overlooked and expiring unused.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional shipping and storage practices are used, then logistics costs are reduced in terms of technology investment, but excessive costs are incurred due to inefficient distribution and field base storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelogistics implementation simplicityVSAvoidshipping and storage costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical distribution processes with automated robotic dispensing mechanisms controlled by software. Bar code scanning technology substitutes for manual tracking methods, enabling precise inventory management and reducing the need for extensive field base storage facilities, thereby lowering overall logistics costs despite the initial technology investment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If field representatives manually place samples, then adaptability to patient needs is improved, but allocation becomes random and diversion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample allocation flexibilityVSAvoiddistribution control and tracking

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The automated dispensing system enables self-service functionality where the system automatically matches sample inventory with patient prescriptions based on scanned bar code identifiers. This self-service capability maintains adaptability by allowing flexible allocation decisions while simultaneously ensuring reliable tracking and control through automated data collection and centralized management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8543417B1Systems and methods for dispensing and collecting data related to controlled substances

Publication Date: 2013.09.24 SECURE SAMPLES INC

AI summary

A system for providing pharmaceutical manufacturers marketing data related to the provision of samples includes an automated sample dispensing unit, a collateral materials printing device, a product information communication device, related prescription data flow information management services, companion wireless devices, robotic dispensing techniques, and bar code scanning capabilities.