Multi-Dose Medicament Container Fill Pattern Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods of packaging multiple prescription medications result in inconvenience for patients, as they need to carry multiple containers and remember which pills to take and when, leading to potential adverse effects due to missed or excessive medication intake.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining and communicating a volume-based fill pattern for multi-dose medicament containers, which maps pills from multiple prescriptions into containers based on overlapping dosing regimes, optimizing the number of containers needed to ensure proper fit and labeling, using a computer system that receives prescription information and determines the required number of containers and blister packs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple single-prescription medicament containers are used to fulfill multiple prescriptions, then each prescription can be stored separately, but the patient must carry multiple containers and remember which pills to take and when, leading to inconvenience and potential medication errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple single-prescription medicament containers into a single multi-dose container that holds pills from multiple prescriptions. The container includes a compartment for each prescription with individual blister packs, allowing patients to carry one container instead of multiple separate containers while maintaining organized access to each prescription's medication schedule
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-dose container is segmented into multiple compartments, each dedicated to a specific prescription. Within each compartment, blister packs are individually organized by dosing time (morning, noon, evening, night). This segmentation allows patients to easily identify and access the correct medication for each prescription without confusion, improving both convenience and adherence
2Ease of operation
If pills from multiple prescriptions are packaged together in a multi-dose container, then the number of containers the patient must carry is reduced, but determining the optimal fill pattern that ensures proper fit and labeling becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the optimal fill pattern for the multi-dose container before actual packaging occurs. By pre-calculating the arrangement of pills from multiple prescriptions into compartments and blister packs, the system optimizes space utilization and ensures proper fit. This preliminary determination includes selecting appropriate container sizes and configuring labeling schemes, thereby reducing the complexity of the actual filling process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a computerized system as an intermediary between the multiple prescriptions and the physical packaging process. This system automatically determines fill patterns, selects container configurations, and generates labeling schemes, thereby mediating the complex task of organizing multiple prescriptions into a unified multi-dose container without requiring manual intervention in the complex arrangement decisions
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional single-prescription containers are used, then each container can be simply labeled, but patients must remember which and how many pills need to be taken from each container at different times
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-dose container implements local quality by providing customized labeling for each compartment and blister pack based on its specific prescription and dosing requirements. Each compartment is labeled with its prescription identifier, and each blister pack is labeled with the appropriate dosing time (morning, noon, evening, night). This localized information delivery ensures patients receive precise dosing instructions for each medication without overwhelming them with all dosing information in a single location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the labeling scheme by organizing blister packs within each compartment according to dosing times of day (morning, noon, evening, night). This dimensional organization of information helps patients understand not only which pills to take but also when to take them, transforming the labeling from a simple identifier into a comprehensive dosing guide that reduces medication errors
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining and communicating a volume-based fill pattern for a multi-dose medicament container is disclosed. Pill information corresponding to one or more pills for a patient to be packaged together may be obtained, and non-volume fill factors may be obtained. The volume-based fill pattern may be selected and indicated to be a cuboid volume or a packing parameter fill pattern. Pill and multi-dose medicament container data may be obtained and used to determine a fill pattern that is communicated to a filling entity for execution. The present disclosure may operate in accordance with multi-dose blister packs, and systems and methods of filling said blister packs.