Modular Medication Dispenser With Rotating Base

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current medication dispensing systems are prone to human error, particularly for patients with tremors or mobility issues, and restrict patient mobility, leading to challenges in adhering to prescribed medication schedules.

Innovation Solution

A modular medication dispensing system comprising a portable dispenser and a base with an actuator and electronic controller, allowing for automated and controlled dispensing of medication doses, adaptable to different types of medications and user-friendly for patients with mobility issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a stationary dispenser is used, then medication can be dispensed at specific times, but patient mobility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedication dispensing reliabilityVSAvoidpatient mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the medication dispensing function into two independent parts: a stationary base unit that provides automated dispensing control, and portable dispenser units that can be moved between locations. The portable dispensers can be removed from the base and taken to different rooms or areas, allowing patients to receive medication at their location rather than being confined to where the dispenser is located.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If individual containers are manually filled, then medication can be organized by time, but human error increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedication organization capabilityVSAvoidmedication accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs an automated filling mechanism where the base unit automatically transfers medication from bulk storage containers into the portable dispenser containers at predetermined times. This eliminates manual intervention in the filling process, reducing human error while maintaining the ability to organize medication by specific administration times. The electronic controller manages the automated transfer process based on programmed schedules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If patients must return to the dispenser location, then medication can be dispensed accurately, but medication schedule adherence decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedication timing accuracyVSAvoidtime for patient to return to dispenser

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The portable dispenser acts as an intermediary between the stationary base unit and the patient. It receives medication doses from the base unit and delivers them directly to the patient at their location. This eliminates the need for patients to travel back to the dispenser location, as the medication delivery system comes to them, thereby maintaining timing accuracy while reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If a stationary dispenser is used, then medication storage is centralized, but accessibility for mobile patients decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidmedication accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a purely static configuration to a dynamic one where portable dispenser units can be moved between the stationary base and various patient locations. This dynamic capability allows the medication storage and dispensing function to adapt to patient mobility needs while maintaining the simplicity of a centralized base unit for refilling and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11484474B2Portable medication dispenser

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 POIRIER MICHEL

AI summary

A modular medication dispensing system for managing and automatically dispensing pills from a plurality of portable medication dispensers comprises: a base equipped with rotation means and being removably installed on a plane surface, a circular magazine comprising a plurality of adaptors for receiving a plurality of portable medication dispensers, the circular magazine being rotatably mounted on the base, an actuator for actuating a portable dispenser from the plurality of portable dispensers when the portable dispenser is in the dispensing position, a plurality of autonomous portable dispensers being removably received in the plurality of adaptors and operating autonomously or in synchronization with the modular system, a filling assembly comprising movable means for automatically filling a portable dispenser, and an electronic system comprised in each portable dispenser and in the base for permanently communicating between the plurality of portable dispensers and the base or between the base and a user.