Integrated Dosing Capsule with Bidirectional Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing systems for oral pharmaceuticals are not ergonomic, often require two hands, and risk loss or spillage, as they consist of separate cups that must be consumed immediately and lack efficient reintegration of excess doses.
Innovation Solution
A dosing capsule with a transparent dosing chamber, bidirectional valve, and integrated dispenser that connects to a container, allowing one-handed operation, preventing loss, and enabling easy reintegration of excess substance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate cup is used for dosing, then the dosing function is provided, but the cup risks being lost and requires two hands for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing cup is merged with the capsule by integrating the cup as an integral part of the capsule structure. The cup is formed as a single piece with the capsule body, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing the risk of loss while maintaining the dosing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule structure serves multiple functions: it contains the medication, provides the dosing cup for measurement, and acts as a portable container that can be carried without risk of loss. The integrated design combines storage, dosing, and transport functions in a single device.
2Reliability
If a separate cup is used for dosing, then the dosing function is provided, but immediate consumption is required and spillage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing cup and capsule are merged into a single integrated structure, allowing the user to hold and operate the entire dosing system with one hand. The capsule body serves as a stable base, eliminating the need for a separate flat surface and reducing spillage risk while maintaining dosing accuracy.
3Loss of substance
If excess substance remains in the container, then it can be stored, but reintegration is difficult with separate cup systems
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated capsule-cup structure allows easy reintegration of excess substance. The capsule can be placed back into the container, and the bidirectional valve automatically facilitates transfer of excess substance from the cup back to the container, minimizing waste without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional valve system enables automatic reintegration of excess substance. When the capsule is returned to the container, the valve automatically opens in the reverse direction, allowing substance to flow back from the cup to the container without requiring user intervention or complex mechanisms.
4Measurement precision
If a transparent cup with graduated scale is used, then dosing precision is improved, but the cup is separate and can be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent cup with graduated scale is merged with the capsule body to form a single integrated structure. The transparent portion of the capsule serves as the dosing cup, maintaining measurement precision while eliminating the risk of loss associated with separate components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The capsule provides ergonomic, single-handed dosing with reduced risk of loss and spillage, allowing for delayed administration and minimizing waste by facilitating the return of excess substance to the container.
Implementation Method 1
a valve (3) which permits/prevents the supply of the substance to the dosing chamber (2) through the access route (6)
Data Source
AI summary
A capsule for dosing a substance to be administered orally, comprising:—a dosing chamber (2) for the substance;—an access route (6) for access of the substance into the chamber (2);—a valve (3) which permits/prevents the supply of the substance to the dosing chamber (2) through the access route (6);—a connection means (4) for connecting to a mouth of a container.