Disposable Pill Counting Tray and Spatula for Cross-Contamination Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pill counting and dispensing tools in pharmacies are non-disposable, leading to potential drug cross-contamination and allergic reactions in patients, as they are reused without proper sanitation, risking the mixing of medications and causing serious allergic reactions.

Innovation Solution

A disposable pill counting device comprising a disposable tray and spatula, designed to be used once and discarded, preventing cross-contamination by ensuring each patient receives medication in a contamination-free environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reusable pill counting trays and spatulas are used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but drug cross-contamination and allergic reactions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of drug cross-contaminationVSAvoiddisposable device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the disposable principle by providing a pill counting tray and spatula that are designed for single use and then discarded. The tray is made of disposable material and the spatula has a disposable head, eliminating the need for sterilization between patients and preventing drug cross-contamination while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of operation

If reusable pill counting tools are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but patient safety is compromised due to cross-contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of device useVSAvoiddrug cross-contamination and allergic reactions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable design eliminates complex sterilization procedures while maintaining ease of operation. Pharmacists simply use the tray and spatula for one patient, then discard them and use a fresh set for the next patient, preventing cross-contamination without adding operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The spatula head is designed as a separate disposable component that can be easily removed and replaced. This extraction of the contaminable portion allows for simple replacement rather than complex cleaning or sterilization processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If disposable pill counting devices are used, then cross-contamination is prevented, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedication purityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of disposable device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable tray and spatula are manufactured using simple, cost-effective materials and processes. The tray is made from disposable material and the spatula from simple construction materials, allowing for economical mass production despite the single-use design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into separate components (tray and spatula with replaceable head), allowing each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes and materials, reducing overall manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8066124B2Disposable pill counting device

Publication Date: 2011.11.29 KOH MING S

AI summary

The disposable pill counting device is a tray formed of a disposable material and includes a sidewall to define areas for holding and dispensing pills. The disposable tray may be substantially U-shaped with a folding sidewall and can be used with a disposable spatula.