Flexible Mixing Container for Homogeneous Partial Dose Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid dosage forms pose challenges for individuals who need partial doses or have difficulty swallowing tablets and capsules, as existing methods often result in non-homogeneous mixtures and inefficient dose administration.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a container with a flexible section is used to mix a solid dosage form with liquid, applying forces like vibration, shaking, or mechanical pressure to disperse, disintegrate, suspend, and dissolve the solid, forming a homogeneous mixture, which can be administered to subjects including humans and non-human animals, with dose determination based on individual characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solid dosage forms are mixed with liquid using conventional methods, then the dosage form can be converted to a liquid form for administration, but the mixture becomes non-homogeneous leading to dose variability
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates a flexible section that, when compressed, generates mechanical vibration and shear forces to disperse the solid dosage form uniformly throughout the liquid, creating a homogeneous mixture that ensures consistent dosing across multiple administrations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the dosage form from solid to liquid suspension through controlled mechanical action, while the flexible container modifies the mixing parameters (shear force, vibration frequency) to achieve homogeneous dispersion without requiring external mixing equipment
2Ease of operation
If solid dosage forms are used for individuals who cannot swallow tablets, then alternative administration methods are needed, but conventional crushing and mixing methods are inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed to perform its own mixing function through user compression of the flexible section, eliminating the need for external mixing devices or complex procedures. The user simply squeezes the container to achieve homogeneous mixing of the solid dosage form with liquid
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible container section acts as both the mixing chamber and the mixing mechanism, using its deformability to generate shear forces and vibration that efficiently disperse the solid dosage form, combining structure and function in a single element
3Adaptability or versatility
If partial doses are administered from solid dosage forms, then the dosage can be adjusted to individual needs, but the mixing process becomes complex and prone to dosing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback through graduated markings on the container that indicate the volume of liquid and the amount of solid dosage form added, allowing users to accurately measure and adjust partial doses while ensuring homogeneous mixing through the flexible section compression
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 method ensures a uniform and efficient conversion of solid dosage forms into homogeneous mixtures, facilitating accurate and flexible dose administration, enhancing patient compliance and reducing variability in drug response.
Implementation Method 1
mixing the solid dosage form with the liquid to disperse, disintegrate, suspend, and/or dissolve the solid dosage form
Implementation Method 2
applying forces like vibration, shaking, or mechanical pressure to disperse, disintegrate, suspend, and dissolve the solid
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are methods of preparing a homogeneous mixture from a solid dosage form in settings including a point of care setting. The methods include obtaining a solid dosage form comprising a drug product, adding the solid dosage form to a container having at least one flexible section, adding a liquid to the container, mixing the solid dosage form with the liquid to disperse, disintegrate, suspend, and/or dissolve the solid dosage form thereby creating a homogeneous mixture. Also provided are containers and devices for use in such methods.