Pill Container Outer Sleeve Retention for Secure Compartment Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pill containers lack robustness, portability, and ease of use, particularly in preventing unintended longitudinal movement and ensuring secure access to individual compartments.

Innovation Solution

A multi-chamber container assembly with a protective outer sleeve that allows for secure retention and sliding movement, featuring pivotal retention tabs and latching arrangements to prevent axial movement and facilitate easy access to compartments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the container is made robust and portable with secure retention, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation may be worsened due to restricted movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unintended longitudinal movementVSAvoidaccess to individual compartments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retention tabs are designed to be movable between a retained position (where they engage with the outer sleeve to prevent unintended movement) and a released position (where they disengage to allow intentional removal and access). This dynamic capability allows the system to switch between secure retention and ease of operation as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retention tabs are positioned at specific locations on the container body, allowing localized engagement with the outer sleeve at particular points along the longitudinal axis. This localized retention mechanism provides secure prevention of unintended movement while maintaining ease of operation through targeted engagement and disengagement points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If retention tabs are added to prevent axial movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring container within outer sleeveVSAvoidadditional retention components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention function is segmented into separate retention tabs that can be independently positioned and engaged with the outer sleeve. This segmentation allows the complex retention function to be broken down into simpler, manageable components that can be easily manufactured and assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention tabs are designed to be self-latching through their engagement with the outer sleeve structure. When the container is inserted into the outer sleeve, the retention tabs automatically engage with corresponding features on the sleeve to secure the container, eliminating the need for additional latching mechanisms or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12552590B2Pill container assembly with outer sleeve

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 APOTHECARY PROD LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a container assembly including a multi-chamber container that fits within a protective outer sleeve. The container includes covers for allowing the chambers to be individually accessed. The container includes an integrated retention arrangement that allows the container to be secured within the outer sleeve in a manner in which unintended longitudinal movement between the outer sleeve and the container is prevented.