Automated Medication Dispensing Magazine with Rake Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an automated dispensing unit in healthcare facilities that allows quick access to medications, enabling efficient storage and dispensing of items of similar size in a uniform manner.
Innovation Solution
The system comprises a magazine with a channel and rake element path that allows one item at a time to be engaged and urged out of a dispensing opening, and a receptacle with a storage cavity and rake element that passes through the magazine to collect the item, facilitated by a computing entity controlling the movement of magazines and receptacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual dispensing methods are used, then flexibility in handling different item types is maintained, but access speed and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is segmented into independent magazines, each dedicated to storing items of a specific type or size. This segmentation allows the automated system to handle multiple item categories efficiently while maintaining simplicity in the control logic for each individual magazine.
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine design incorporates universal features that allow it to handle different types of items through standardized storage channels and dispensing mechanisms. The rake element and channel configuration can accommodate various item types, enabling the same structural design to serve multiple functions.
2Manufacturing precision
If items are stored in a uniform manner in channels, then dispensing accuracy is improved, but the system's ability to handle varying item sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The channel structure incorporates local quality variations with specific geometric features tailored to accommodate different item sizes and shapes. Each channel is designed with particular dimensions and contours that match the characteristics of the items it stores, enabling precise alignment while adapting to size variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accommodates varying item sizes by changing the parameters of the channel geometry and rake element configuration. Different magazines or channel sections can have adjusted dimensions, spacing, and rake element positions to match the specific size parameters of the items being stored and dispensed.
3Extent of automation
If a rake element mechanism is used to engage and dispense items, then automated dispensing is enabled, but the risk of item damage or misalignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channel and dispensing opening are designed with cushioning features such as tapered edges, rounded surfaces, and controlled clearance zones that prevent damage to items during the engagement and dispensing process. The rake element approach is softened by these pre-designed protective features in the path of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel structure serves as an intermediary between the stored items and the rake element dispensing mechanism. It provides a controlled interface that guides items smoothly during engagement and transfer, reducing direct contact forces and improving reliability of the dispensing operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for dispensing items. In one embodiment, a magazine defining a channel adapted to store a plurality of items of substantially similar size in a uniform manner is provided. The magazine may also define (a) a rake element path adapted to allow one item of the plurality of items to be engaged and (b) a dispensing opening adapted to allow the engaged item to be urged out of the dispensing opening. In such an embodiment, a receptacle may also be provided. The receptacle may comprise a storage cavity and a rake element, wherein the rake element is adapted to (a) pass through the rake element path of the magazine to engage the item and (b) urge the item out of the dispensing opening of the magazine into the storage cavity of the receptacle.