Pill Crushing Device Spoon Transfer Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pill crushing devices face challenges in minimizing transfer loss and spillage of pulverized pills during the administration process.

Innovation Solution

A pill crushing device featuring a first spoon that serves as a supportive base within a pill chamber for pulverizing pills, with a second spoon optionally used to further minimize transfer loss and spillage by carrying supplementary compositions, utilizing a snug tongue and slot relationship and a brace to stabilize the spoon during movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If a traditional pill crushing device is used, then the pill can be pulverized, but transfer loss and spillage of pulverized pills occurs during administration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer loss of pulverized pillsVSAvoidadministration process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pill crushing function and the transfer function into a single integrated device. The pill chamber that houses the crushing mechanism also incorporates a spoon that can slide within it, allowing the pulverized pill to be transferred directly from the crushing chamber without external containers, thereby eliminating transfer loss and spillage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding spoon acts as an intermediary element between the crushing mechanism and the administration process. It receives the pulverized pill directly from the crushing chamber and transports it to the user, serving as a controlled transfer medium that prevents spillage while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the spoon moves freely in the pill chamber, then transfer is easy, but lateral and oscillating motions cause spillage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespoon transfer motionVSAvoidspillage of pulverized pills

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The spoon is designed with different functional zones: a sliding portion that moves vertically within restricted lateral boundaries to prevent oscillation and spillage, and a bowl portion that holds the pulverized pill. The structural constraints are applied locally to the sliding portion while maintaining freedom of motion where needed for transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The spoon is designed to slide dynamically within the pill chamber along a defined path, allowing controlled movement for transfer while structural features prevent unwanted lateral and oscillating motions. The dynamic constraint enables easy transfer motion while preventing spillage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10548813B2Pill crushing device for pulverizing pills and minimizing transfer loss of pulverized pills

Publication Date: 2020.02.04 DUALITAS LTD

AI summary

A pill crushing device pulverizes pills and then transfers the pulverized pills out of the device with minimal transfer loss and spillage. The device includes a pill chamber and may include a storage portion. The pill chamber forms a threaded connection with the storage portion that enables detachment. The storage portion stores the pill and operates the crushing mechanism. The pill is pulverized in the pill chamber. The pill chamber is disposed beneath the storage portion. A first spoon retains the pill and carries the pulverized pill out of the chamber along a longitudinal opening of the pill chamber. An optional second spoon detachably attaches to the first spoon to carry supplemental compositions to the pulverized pill.