Multi-Chamber Medication Container With Rotatable Dispenser Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pill containers are prone to opening during travel, leading to spills and are not user-friendly for individuals with limited dexterity or painful joints, while also failing to securely manage multiple types of medications.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a rotatable lid with a dispenser and retainer system that allows selective access to chambers, including a sliding cover and a cap with a handle, ensuring secure and easy dispensing of medications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lockable mechanism is added to prevent accidental opening, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a retainer that interfaces with the container body, a dispenser that rotates independently, and an aperture cover that slides independently. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without adding complexity to the entire system. The retainer provides the locking function while the dispenser and aperture cover remain independently operable.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture cover is nested within the dispenser structure, and the dispenser is nested within the lid assembly. The aperture cover slides within the dispenser's aperture, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides the aperture cover function without adding external complexity to the container design.
2Ease of operation
If a rotatable dispenser with multiple aperture positions is implemented, then ease of operation is improved for accessing different medications, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is designed as a multi-functional component that serves multiple purposes: it provides the aperture for accessing medications, acts as a retainer for the aperture cover, and functions as a rotational mechanism for selecting different chamber positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is designed to rotate relative to the retainer, transforming a static lid into a dynamic structure that can adapt to different access needs. This rotational capability allows users to access different medications by simply rotating the dispenser, providing ease of operation without requiring multiple separate containers or complex opening mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If the container is designed to be compact for travel, then portability is improved, but accessibility for users with limited dexterity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture cover is extracted as a separate, independently operable component from the main lid structure. This allows users with limited dexterity to operate the aperture cover separately from the complex rotational dispenser mechanism, providing an simplified access point that is easier to manipulate while maintaining the compact container design.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture cover acts as an intermediary between the user and the internal chamber contents. Instead of requiring users to directly manipulate the rotational dispenser or open the entire lid, they can simply slide the aperture cover to access medications, providing an intermediate simplification that maintains compactness while improving accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A container can be used to store and dispense medication (e.g., vitamins, pills, tablets, etc.) or other discrete objects. The container has a body that holds objects in one or more separate chambers. A dispenser lid can be rotationally aligned to provide access to any of the chambers. A cover on the dispenser lid slides or otherwise moves to selectively open an access aperture defined by the dispenser lid. The cover may be releasably retained in the open and closed positions.