Gravity-Fed Pill Dispenser with Segmented Wheels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic pill dispensers are bulky, heavy, and difficult to use in domestic settings, particularly for elderly or frail individuals, as they require manual dexterity and cannot accommodate two different treatment regimes simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

An automatic, gravity-fed solid dosage form dispenser featuring two independently rotatable dose dispensing wheels, an interactive user interface, and biometric identification, allowing for simultaneous management of two different treatment regimes and improved usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single rotatable dispensing wheel with multiple storage compartments is used, then the device can dispense pills at predetermined time intervals, but the device becomes bulky and heavy, making it difficult to use in domestic settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepredetermined time interval dispensing capabilityVSAvoiddispenser weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The single large dispensing wheel is divided into two separate smaller dispensing wheels, each capable of independent rotation. This segmentation reduces the size and weight of each wheel while maintaining the overall dispensing functionality through coordinated operation of both wheels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each dispensing wheel is designed to be multi-functional, capable of storing and dispensing different types of medication for different patients. The wheels can independently manage different treatment regimes, making the system versatile for domestic use with multiple patients

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single dispensing wheel is used, then the structure is simpler, but the device cannot accommodate two different treatment regimes simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-treatment regime capabilityVSAvoiddispenser structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing system is segmented into two independent wheels, each dedicated to a specific treatment regime. This allows simultaneous management of multiple patients or medication schedules without requiring complex programming within a single wheel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each dispensing wheel is optimized with specific local characteristics tailored to its designated treatment regime, including customized compartment arrangements and dispensing mechanisms. This local optimization enables specialized functionality while keeping the overall system relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If manual loading of pills into storage compartments is required, then the device can be filled with prescribed dosage forms, but users requiring manual dexterity face significant difficulty and risk of error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading capabilityVSAvoidmanual dexterity requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing wheels are designed to be self-loading through automated pill insertion mechanisms. The system automatically loads pills into the appropriate compartments based on the programmed treatment regime, eliminating the need for manual dexterity while maintaining full loading capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading and organizing pills into the dispensing wheels during manufacturing or setup. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to perform manual loading operations, reducing both the skill requirement and potential for error

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 dispenser is more compact and user-friendly, enabling efficient management of multiple treatment regimes without requiring extensive manual dexterity, thus reducing the risk of errors and improving safety.

Implementation Method 1

Once the closure system exit port has been activated to open the closure, the solid dosage form falls due to gravity through the dispenser and out through the exit port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20250161166A1Automatic, Gravity-Fed, Solid Dosage Form Dispenser

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 BIOCORP PRODUCTION SA

AI summary

An automatic, gravity-fed, solid dosage form dispenser, comprising: at least one rotatable dose dispensing wheel, the dispensing wheels having a central drive mounting and comprising a plurality of solid dosage form holding compartments; a wheel housing having a base plate with a first side and a second side with first and second housing walls extending from the base plate to sub-housings, each one positioned on a respective side of the base plate to receive a dispensing wheel; and an interactive user interface device configured to control independent rotation of the dispensing wheels; wherein the respective dispensing wheels are positioned along a common axis of rotation perpendicular to the base plate of the wheel housing; and wherein the interactive user interface device is mounted to the wheel housing tangentially to an outer peripheral surface of the wheel housing walls.