Interchangeable Platen Pill Dispenser with Machine-Readable ID
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dispensing technologies lack flexibility and accuracy in filling prescriptions from multiple pill storage bins into vials or blister packs, often resulting in errors due to the need for manual handling and limited compatibility with different packaging types.
Innovation Solution
A pill dispensing apparatus with interchangeable platens, each equipped with machine-readable identification, allows for automatic filling of vials or blister packs by moving a selected platen beneath a target location and using X-Y axis movement to position the platen accurately, ensuring precise dispensing of pills into the correct container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling is used to fill prescriptions from multiple pill storage bins into vials or blister packs, then flexibility in handling different packaging types is improved, but accuracy deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated dispensing system that uses machine-readable identification (barcodes or RFID tags) on platens and storage bins. The system automatically identifies the platen type and retrieves corresponding dispensing parameters from a database, eliminating human error while maintaining flexibility through programmable adaptability to different packaging configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the platen's machine-readable identification automatically provides information about the packaging type, and the system autonomously retrieves dispensing parameters and executes the filling process without human intervention, ensuring both accuracy and flexibility simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable platens are introduced to accommodate different packaging types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens due to additional identification and tracking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal machine-readable identification system (barcodes or RFID tags) that can identify all platen types using a single standardized approach. The system uses a centralized database that stores dispensing parameters for multiple platen configurations, allowing one identification mechanism to handle diverse packaging types without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses machine-readable copies (barcodes or RFID tags) of platen identification information rather than requiring complex mechanical sensing or manual input. These simple optical or electromagnetic signals efficiently convey platen type information to the system, minimizing the complexity of the identification mechanism while maximizing adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated dispensing control is implemented, then accuracy in pill distribution is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to programming and setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-stores dispensing parameters (such as X-Y coordinates, pill counts, and packaging specifications) in a database associated with each platen's machine-readable identification. When a platen is installed, the system automatically retrieves the pre-programmed parameters, eliminating the need for operators to manually program the system while maintaining high precision in pill distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically reading the platen's machine-readable identification and retrieving the corresponding dispensing parameters from the database without requiring operator programming. This self-service approach maintains precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for dispensing pills includes a set of pill canisters and a control for releasing a desired quantity of pills from a selected pill canister at a target location. Several platens are provided, each of the plurality of platens having a machine-readable platen identifier. A frame is situated beneath the target location. The frame is adapted to move in both an X axis and a Y axis and adapted to accept and hold a selected platen of a set of platens whereas the selected platen holds and supports a target container into which the desired quantity of pills is deposited and the machine-readable platen identifier is read by the device for dispensing pills to determine which of the plurality of platens is the selected platen.