Pill Retrieval Weighing Assembly for Fast Accurate Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated pill dispensing systems often face challenges in balancing speed and accuracy when retrieving individual pills, leading to frustration and decreased reliance due to time-consuming processes.
Innovation Solution
A system with a retrieval arm, carrier, and weighing assembly that includes an actuator and weight sensor to accurately measure the weight of pills, ensuring precise retrieval by determining the weight of each pill and adjusting positions to facilitate efficient and accurate dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If automated pill retrieval systems use traditional retrieval methods without weight sensing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and reliability of pill retrieval deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical retrieval verification methods with a weight sensor-based detection system. The weight sensor electronically measures the weight of retrieved pills, substituting complex mechanical verification mechanisms with a simpler electronic sensing approach that provides precise measurement without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the inherent weight property of pills to automatically verify retrieval accuracy. The weight sensor directly measures the weight of retrieved pills, and the system automatically compares this measurement against expected weight values to determine retrieval success, eliminating the need for manual verification or complex mechanical checking mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the system uses weight sensing to verify each pill retrieval, then the reliability of dispensing is improved, but the time required for each dispensing operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs weight verification immediately after pill retrieval by positioning the retrieved pill on the weight sensor before proceeding to the dispensing location. This preliminary weight check ensures accurate verification without requiring separate verification steps later in the process, thereby minimizing total dispensing time while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight sensor serves multiple functions: it verifies the weight of individual retrieved pills, tracks the remaining quantity of pills in containers, and provides data for dispensing accuracy verification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate verification mechanisms, thereby reducing overall time requirements while maintaining high dispensing reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the system retrieves pills one at a time with verification, then the manufacturing precision of dosing is improved, but the productivity of the dispensing system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous operation by performing weight verification in-line with the retrieval process rather than as a separate batch verification step. The weight sensor is positioned to immediately measure retrieved pills as they are picked up, allowing the system to continuously verify dosing accuracy while maintaining an uninterrupted dispensing flow, thereby preserving productivity alongside precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic weight sensing system replaces time-consuming manual verification or complex mechanical counting mechanisms. The rapid electronic measurement capability of the weight sensor allows for quick verification of each pill's weight, enabling high-speed accurate dosing that maintains productivity while achieving precise dosing accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively balances speed and accuracy in pill retrieval by using weight-based measurements, reducing the likelihood of errors and enhancing user compliance with medication regimens.
Implementation Method 1
the weight sensor may be operable to measure weight of the one of the plurality of containers in mechanical communication with the weight sensor at the predetermined position
Data Source
AI summary
A system for dispensing pills may include a plurality of containers, a retrieval arm movable into the plurality of containers to retrieve contents from the plurality of containers, a carrier supporting the plurality of containers, the carrier movable to adjust positions of the plurality of containers relative to a predetermined position, and a weighing assembly. The weighing assembly may include an actuator and a weight sensor. The actuator may be actuatable to control mechanical communication between the weight sensor and one of the plurality of containers at the predetermined position, and the weight sensor may be operable to measure weight of the one of the plurality of containers in mechanical communication with the weight sensor at the predetermined position.