Pill Sorting Apparatus With Sliding Sleeve Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Weekly pill containers require dexterity to transfer pills from a pharmacy container to daily boxes, which is challenging for the elderly due to arthritis and other illnesses affecting finger coordination.
Innovation Solution
A pill sorting apparatus comprising a trough with uniformly spaced holes and an outer sleeve that slides along the trough, allowing pills to be sorted and transferred into weekly pill containers with alignment tabs for easy alignment and a spring mechanism for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pill transfer is used, then pill sorting can be completed, but dexterity is required which the elderly lack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pill transfer device as an intermediary tool between the pharmacy container and the weekly pill container. This device includes a tray with compartments that receive pills from the pharmacy container and a transfer mechanism that deposits them into the weekly container, eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of picking and placing pills with an automated mechanical transfer system. The device uses a sliding mechanism or rotating component to automatically transfer pills from the input tray to the output container, substituting the user's manual dexterity with a mechanical system.
2Ease of operation
If automated pill sorting is implemented, then dexterity requirements are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pill sorting function into separate modular components: an input tray for receiving pills, a transfer mechanism for moving pills, and an output container for storing sorted pills. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function with simple structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be loaded with pills once and then automatically performs the sorting and distribution function without requiring continuous user intervention. The mechanical transfer system operates autonomously after initial loading, providing self-service functionality that reduces operational complexity.
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
Facilitates easy and efficient transfer of pills into daily boxes, reducing the dexterity required and making it easier for the elderly to manage pill dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism for smooth operation
Data Source
AI summary
A novel apparatus for allocating pills from a pharmacy pill container into a weekly pill storage container is described herein. The pill sorting apparatus is made of two parts, each with seven holes. The pills are poured into the sorting apparatus, and the two parts are shifted so that the holes align, allowing the seven pills to drop into the weekly pill storage container.