Medication Dispensing Station With Pivoting Cradle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elderly patients face difficulties in dispensing multiple medications due to manual dexterity issues, leading to spills and drops, and existing dispensing stations are cumbersome to use and attach pill boxes or dispensers.

Innovation Solution

A medication dispensing station with a pivotally attached cradle and a releasable connector for easy attachment of medication containers, allowing for secure and controlled dispensing of both solid and liquid medications, including a timer for automated dispensing and biometric verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional dispensing station is used, then medication can be dispensed, but the device is difficult to use and requires significant effort to attach the pill box or dispenser

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a stationary base unit and a movable cradle that can be easily attached and detached. This segmentation allows the complex dispensing mechanism to remain fixed while the user only needs to handle the lightweight cradle and medication container, significantly reducing the effort required for attachment and operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A connector mechanism serves as an intermediary between the cradle and the medication dispenser, providing a simple interface that requires minimal manual dexterity. The connector allows the medication container to be securely attached to the cradle through straightforward actions such as insertion or clicking, rather than requiring complex manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual handling of small tablets is required, then medication can be dispensed, but patients with manual dexterity issues may spill or drop pills

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of medication dispensingVSAvoidease of handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing mechanism is designed to perform the delicate task of releasing medication automatically once the cradle is positioned correctly. The system uses the user's simple action of attaching the container and positioning the cradle to trigger the dispensing sequence, eliminating the need for manual handling of small tablets and reducing the risk of spills or drops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated dispensing mechanism. Once the medication container is attached to the cradle, the system automatically controls the release and transfer of medication, substituting the need for precise manual dexterity with a mechanical or automated system that reliably dispenses the correct dosage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple medications need to be dispensed, then comprehensive medication management is achieved, but the effort required becomes significant for patients with limited manual dexterity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedication management capabilityVSAvoideffort required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cradle and connector system are designed with universal functionality to accommodate multiple types of medication containers and dispensing mechanisms. A single cradle unit can work with various medication containers, allowing patients to manage multiple medications using the same simple attachment and dispensing process, thereby maintaining ease of operation while providing comprehensive medication management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9539177B2Medication dispensing station

Publication Date: 2017.01.10 SOLVELL STEFAN ERIK

AI summary

A medication dispensing station is provided. The medication dispensing station includes a support base and a cradle pivotally attached to the support base in an elevated position relative to the support base. A medication dispenser may be releasably attachable to the cradle. Therefore, a patient may easily attach the medication dispenser to the cradle, and pivot the cradle to dispense the medication.