Elastomeric Pod Tray for Smart Pill Dispenser
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Complex medication regimens with multiple types of pills lead to diminished compliance due to their complexity, and existing multi-chambered pill containers are cumbersome to load and may not improve adherence, especially when patients need to identify and manage different medications themselves.
Innovation Solution
A compact, smart medication dispensing device with a tray system containing pods made of elastomeric materials that automatically dispense pills according to a schedule or on demand, featuring a sensor system for tracking and verifying pill types and quantities, and a user-friendly interface for medication management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different types of medications are stored in separate containers, then medication types can be kept organized, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to managing multiple containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate medication containers into a single integrated dispensing device with multiple compartments. Each compartment can store different medication types, and the system provides centralized control for tracking, scheduling, and dispensing all medications through one interface, eliminating the need to manage multiple separate containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing device performs multiple functions within a single system: it stores various medication types, tracks usage through sensors, schedules dispensing times, provides user notifications, and physically dispenses medications. This multi-functional approach replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate devices.
2Device complexity
If manual tracking of medication doses is required, then device complexity is reduced, but medication compliance and reliability deteriorate due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect when medications are dispensed and when compartments are opened. This feedback is sent to the control system, which updates the medication tracking database and can notify users or caregivers if a dose is missed or if the medication schedule is not followed, ensuring reliable compliance monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing device automatically tracks its own medication inventory and dispensing history without requiring manual input from users. The sensor system autonomously monitors compartment openings and medication distribution, eliminating the need for users to manually record doses while maintaining high compliance reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If pods are made with rigid materials, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
The pod compartments utilize materials with flexible properties that allow them to be easily opened and closed by users while maintaining structural integrity during manufacturing. The flexible material enables simple manual operation for accessing medications while still providing sufficient rigidity for precise manufacturing and proper sealing.
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 device improves medication compliance by simplifying the storage and dispensing of multiple pills, preventing missed or double doses, and ensuring correct medication administration through automated scheduling and identification, enhancing user adherence and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the bottom piece is made of an elastomeric material and includes at least one slit, and wherein the bottom piece is configured such that the application of a downward force on the top piece can cause the at least one slit to open to expose a passage
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present disclosure is related to a medication dispensing device. The medication dispensing device includes a housing and a tray. The tray carries a plurality of pods with interiors that can contain pills and is moveable between an open position where the pods are exposed to a user and a closed position where the pods are not exposed to the user. At least one of the pods is at least partially made of an elastomeric material that can deflect to open a passage. When the tray is in the open position, the pods are able to be individually opened to either receive pills or to dispense pills. The medication dispensing device also includes a controller that is configured to monitor the insertion of pills into the pods and the dispensing of pills out of the pods.