Collapsible Medication Counting Grid with Segmented Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
In resource-limited environments, there is a need for efficient and accurate methods to count large quantities of medication, such as for chronic conditions, which current manual methods like plastic trays and spatulas are time-consuming and prone to human error.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible medication counting device with a grid system, comprising a sheet with fold lines that can be folded into a predetermined shape, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and a grid plate with openings to collect medication units, enabling faster and more accurate counting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual counting with plastic tray and spatula is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is low and measurement precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The counting device is divided into distinct functional segments: a container for holding medication, a grid plate with multiple openings for individual pill placement, and a base. This segmentation allows for systematic counting where each grid opening corresponds to one medication unit, enabling rapid visual verification and improving counting speed while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The grid plate serves as an intermediary element between the medication container and the counting surface. It provides structured openings that guide and organize medication units during the counting process, acting as a mediator that transforms the chaotic manual sorting process into an organized, visual counting system that improves both speed and accuracy
2Measurement precision
If manual counting with plastic tray and spatula is used, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision and accuracy are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The grid plate is segmented into multiple individual openings, each designed to hold exactly one medication unit. This segmentation enables precise visual verification of counted items, as each opening acts as an independent counting chamber. The structured arrangement of openings provides a clear visual reference that eliminates ambiguity in counting, significantly improving measurement precision while the grid's simple geometric structure keeps device complexity low
Solution Approach 2:
The grid plate and container are designed with high-contrast color schemes that enhance visual differentiation between filled and empty openings. This visual enhancement allows for rapid and accurate counting by enabling operators to quickly distinguish between present and absent medication units, improving measurement precision through optical contrast rather than complex mechanical or electronic systems
3Ease of operation
If collapsible container assembly is used, then the ease of operation and portability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container assembly incorporates collapsible walls that can transition between expanded and collapsed states. This dynamic structure allows the container to be easily collapsed for compact storage and transport, then expanded for use. The collapsible mechanism uses simple flexing motions along predetermined lines rather than complex mechanical joints, improving ease of operation while keeping the added structural complexity minimal
Solution Approach 2:
The container walls are constructed from flexible materials that can bend and fold along predetermined lines without requiring rigid mechanical components. This flexible shell design enables the container to collapse flat for portability and then be easily refolded into its functional three-dimensional shape. The flexibility of the material itself provides the structural mechanism, avoiding the need for complex hinges, joints, or fastening systems that would increase device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices and systems for counting medication. In an aspect, the device can include a collapsible container assembly, the assembly comprising: a sheet comprising a plurality of predetermined fold lines, the plurality of predetermined fold lines configured to flex along the fold lines; wherein at least a portion of the sheet is configured to be folded along at least a portion of the fold lines into at least one predetermined shape having a predetermined volume; wherein the container assembly in a folded state is configured to releasably couple or engage a grid for collecting medication; and a grid comprising a plurality of openings, each opening configured to collect a unit of medication having a predetermined size and/or shape. Also disclosed herein are methods of using the disclosed counting devices and systems.