Mechanical Dispensing Device for Solid Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for solid pharmaceutical forms, such as microtablets, are either unreliable or require significant effort and expense in manufacturing, use, and disposal, particularly due to the need for electronic controls and motor drives.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device with a positioning device and retaining means that aligns and fills solid portions coaxially, allowing for precise metering without the need for motor drives, using a manual rotation mechanism to dispense individual portions from a bulk body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic controls and motor drives are used in dispensing devices, then dispensing precision and automation are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic controls and motor drives with a purely mechanical operation system. The dispenser uses manual rotation of a container to activate a cam mechanism that mechanically controls the positioning and dispensing of solid portions, eliminating the need for electronic components while maintaining precise metering through mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical cam mechanism is designed to automatically position and release solid portions through the rotation motion itself, without requiring external electronic control systems. The container rotation directly drives the dispensing action through mechanical linkage, making the system self-operating through user input alone.
2Extent of automation
If electronic controls and motor drives are used in dispensing devices, then automation is improved, but manufacturing cost and disposal cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates electronic controls and motor drives by using a purely mechanical operation system where manual rotation of the container directly activates the dispensing mechanism through cam and follower components, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is designed as a disposable device with a simple mechanical structure that can be manufactured at low cost and discarded after use, eliminating the need for expensive electronic components that would increase both manufacturing and disposal costs.
3Measurement precision
If complex metering mechanisms are used, then metering precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones within the container: a storage area for bulk solid portions, a metering area with a cam mechanism that precisely positions individual portions, and a dispensing area with an aperture. This segmentation allows complex metering to occur in a dedicated zone while keeping the overall operation simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism preliminarily positions and orients solid portions in the metering area before dispensing, ensuring precise metering is achieved automatically through the rotation motion itself, without requiring complex user manipulation or adjustment during operation.
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 provides reliable and precise dispensing of solid pharmaceutical forms, reducing manufacturing, usage, and disposal costs while ensuring accurate metering, even for users with limited counting abilities.
Implementation Method 1
a positioning device (3) for aligning solid portions (Fk) in a column by gravity
Implementation Method 2
an elastic element (8), in particular a spiral spring, by pre-tensioning of which the retaining device (4) can be rotated from a pre-tensioned rotational position into a rotational position in which the elastic element (8) is again relaxed
Implementation Method 3
a rotation damper (9) for compensating the rotational movement of the retaining device (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing device for solid portions Fk present in bulk having an axis of rotation 2. The dispensing device 1 has (a) a positioning device 3, and b) a retaining device 4, having at least two retaining means arranged coaxial to the axis of rotation for accommodating one solid portion Fk each. The positioning device 3 and the at least two retaining means 5 can be moved relative to one another on paths coaxial to the axis of rotation, such that the positioning device 3 can be oriented in alignment with the retaining means 5 individually during the movement and at least one of the at least two retaining means 5 can be filled with one solid portion Fk each by means of the positioning device 3. Furthermore, the at least two retaining means 5 can be emptied by rotating the retaining device 4 to output the solid portions Fk.