Pill Tray Sieve Plate for Fast, Low-Contact Dose Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributing a large number of pills or tablets into dose trays or pill organizers requires significant manual effort and time, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a container with a sieve plate and removable plate to efficiently distribute pills into dose trays, involving a container with through holes, legs for support, and a removable plate to facilitate easy transfer of pills into compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual distribution of pills into dose trays is used, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but time consumption and labor effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the pill distribution process into distinct functional zones: a container for holding pills, a sieve plate with through-holes for sorting, and a dose tray for collection. This segmentation enables automated high-speed distribution while keeping each component simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The sieve plate acts as an intermediary element between the container and dose tray. It facilitates the transition from manual to automated distribution by providing a structured interface with through-holes that guide pills from the container into the dose tray compartments, enabling efficient transfer without complex mechanisms.
2Productivity
If manual pill distribution is performed, then contamination risk is reduced, but time and effort requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service pill distribution where the system automatically sorts and transfers pills without human intervention. The container, sieve plate, and dose tray work together to autonomously complete the distribution task, improving efficiency while maintaining hygiene by eliminating manual contact with pills.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the manual mechanical action of hand-picking and placing pills with a gravity-based mechanical system. Pills flow naturally from the container through the sieve plate holes into the dose tray under gravity, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and reducing contamination risk while maintaining simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed bottom substrate with integrated sieve holes is used, then structural integrity is improved, but adaptability and ease of cleaning are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sieve plate is designed as a separate, removable component rather than being permanently integrated into the container. This segmentation allows the sieve plate to be easily detached for thorough cleaning and maintenance, while still providing the necessary structural support when in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The sieve plate is designed to be movable and removable, transforming from a static integrated structure to a dynamic component that can be accessed for cleaning. This dynamic design maintains structural integrity during operation while enabling easy maintenance and adaptability for different cleaning requirements.
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
Reduces the time and effort required to fill dose trays, enhances efficiency, and prevents contamination by automating the distribution process.
Implementation Method 1
Pills are poured on the container. While the removable plate is placed under the container, the pills are distributed inside the through holes of the bottom substrate.
Data Source
AI summary
A pill tray includes a container having a bottom substrate and walls surrounding the bottom substrate and protruding upwardly from the bottom substrate to provide an inner space to contain objects. The pill tray includes legs disposed under the container to support the container and a sieve plate coupled to the bottom substrate. The sieve plate has a plurality of through holes configured to receive the objects in the container. Upper portions of the legs define a first space and include slots configured to receive and support a removable plate into the first space. Lower portions of the legs provide a second space to receive a dose tray.