Network-Connected Pill Bottle with Switch Assembly for Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pill organizers are ineffective in consistently promoting medication compliance due to forgetfulness, data tracking issues, durability concerns, and power management challenges, leading to inconsistent and costly solutions.
Innovation Solution
The development of network-connected electronic pill bottles that communicate with electronic devices to provide reminders, record medication administration, withstand wear and tear, and manage power efficiently, featuring a single cavity for a bulk medication supply, switch assemblies for event detection, and power-saving mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pill organizers are used, then they provide a simple structure for storing medications, but they fail to consistently promote medication compliance due to forgetfulness and lack of tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates sensors that detect cap removal events and provide feedback by generating alerts when medication doses are missed. The system continuously monitors whether the cap has been removed from the container and compares this against the scheduled dosing regimen, providing real-time feedback to promote compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical pill organizers with an electronic system that uses sensors, processors, and communication modules to automatically track and report medication administration, substituting manual monitoring with automated electronic detection and reporting mechanisms.
2Reliability
If electronic pill bottles with network connectivity are implemented, then reliable reminders and data tracking are provided, but power management challenges and durability concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The container enters low-power sleep modes between scheduled dosing times and activates sensors and communication modules only at predetermined intervals when doses are due. This periodic operation significantly reduces average power consumption while maintaining reliable tracking of medication administration events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages its own power consumption by intelligently activating components only when needed for dosing reminders or data synchronization, and autonomously enters sleep modes to conserve energy, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements.
3Measurement precision
If switch assemblies are added for event detection, then cap removal events can be reliably detected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into separate functional modules including the cap assembly with switch assemblies, the body with medication storage, and the electronic components. This segmentation allows the event detection function to be isolated to specific components, making the overall system easier to manufacture and maintain despite increased functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Introduced here are containers designed to promote compliance with regimens for administering the medications stored therein. These containers have various features that allow them to be more easily managed by the individuals to whom the medications were prescribed. Some features improve the ease with which containers communicate with individuals. These features may enable information to be more easily input by individuals and/or output for individuals in a comprehensible manner. Other features improve the mechanical or electrical durability of containers. Such features may enable the containers to be used by individuals over the course of several days, weeks, or months without worrying about structural damage or loss of power.