Keyed Medication Cartridge Alignment for Error-Resistant Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medication dispensing devices are cumbersome, confusing, and prone to errors, leading to potential health risks, and existing oral medication delivery methods are inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A keyed medication cartridge designed for a handheld oral medication dispensing device with user authentication, a rotatable cartridge carrier, and a precise actuation mechanism to ensure accurate and safe medication administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing dispensing devices allow manual cartridge switching, then patients can change medications, but the complexity of operation increases and errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge incorporates asymmetric alignment features including a convex alignment feature on the cartridge and a corresponding concave alignment feature in the device housing. This asymmetric design creates a keyed interface that allows the cartridge to be inserted only in the correct orientation, preventing misinsertion errors while maintaining simple operation through intuitive alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features act as intermediary elements between the cartridge and device housing. The convex alignment feature on the cartridge mediates with the concave alignment feature in the housing, providing a mechanical guide that ensures proper positioning and prevents incorrect cartridge installation without requiring complex control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing dispensing devices require manual medication changes, then patients can switch medications, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The medication delivery system is segmented into replaceable cartridge units that can be independently changed. Each cartridge is a self-contained module with integrated alignment features, allowing patients to switch medications by simply replacing the entire cartridge rather than navigating complex device settings or mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features enable the cartridge to self-align and self-position correctly within the device housing during insertion. The convex and concave alignment features automatically guide the cartridge into the proper orientation, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or user judgment, thereby simplifying the medication change process.
3Reliability
If tablets and syrups are used for medication delivery, then medications can be administered, but the time for efficacy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the medication from solid tablets or viscous syrups to a ready-to-administer liquid or aerosol form contained within the cartridge. This parameter change eliminates the need for digestive processing of tablets or mixing of syrups, allowing for faster absorption and onset of action while maintaining reliable medication delivery.
4Ease of operation
If existing dispensing devices are designed for portability, then patients can carry them, but the device may be conspicuous
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld device is designed with universal functionality that allows it to serve multiple purposes beyond medication dispensing. The device can function as a regular handheld object when not in use, reducing its conspicuousness as a medical device while maintaining its portability and ease of carrying for patients.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a keyed medication cartridge for use in a handheld oral medication dispensing device. The medication cartridge is designed with alignment features for connecting to the medication dispensing device. The cartridge includes a shell and medication vial therein. In use, alignment features on the dispensing device pass through the shell and lock against the vial, allowing a user to depress the shell and activate a pump assembly to force medication from the medication cartridge.