Medication Dispensing Control Systems With Segmented Orifices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medication dispensing systems fail to control the sequential release of medication units, leading to potential intentional or unintentional overdosing, particularly in outpatient settings where children or individuals with limited capacity may access multiple units at once.
Innovation Solution
A medication dispensing control system comprising a bottle cover with selection orifices of specific diameters to obstruct bulk passage and allow sequential passage of medication units, combined with a lid adapter and latch mechanisms to secure the cover to the bottle, ensuring that medications are dispensed one at a time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bulk dispensing from bottle opening is allowed, then dispensing speed is improved, but safety deteriorates due to risk of overdose
Solution Approach 1:
The bottle opening is segmented into multiple orifices of different diameters, each allowing passage of a specific number of medication units. This segmentation controls the bulk flow into controlled individual passages, enabling sequential dispensing while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
Different orifices are designed with different diameters to match different medication unit sizes and dispensing requirements. Each orifice location has a specific quality (diameter) that determines how many units can pass through, allowing localized control of dispensing rate.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If orifices are made smaller to permit sequential passage, then safety is improved, but dispensing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a single small orifice, the system segments the opening into multiple orifices of varying sizes. This allows different dispensing rates to be achieved by selecting different orifices, maintaining both safety and efficiency for different medication types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides multiple orifices with different diameter parameters to accommodate different medication unit sizes and dispensing requirements. By changing the active orifice parameter, the system can optimize for either safety or efficiency depending on the specific medication being dispensed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If child-lock technologies are used, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to bypass potential
Solution Approach 1:
The physical segmentation of the opening into multiple small orifices creates a passive mechanical barrier that naturally limits access. Unlike electronic child-locks that can be bypassed, the orifice structure itself prevents bulk removal, providing inherent safety without compromising legitimate access.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed and described herein are systems and methods for controlling the dispensing of medications in solid units. A system may comprise a lid adapter with a dispenser opening and a bottle cover with at least one selection orifice of corresponding diameter to obstruct bulk passage and permit sequential passage of solid units of at least one medication type. The present invention is particularly beneficial for preventing harm from overdose ingestion, such as suicide attempts and/or accidental consumption by children.