Pivoting Cradle Medication Dispenser for Dexterity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elderly patients face difficulties in dispensing multiple medications due to manual dexterity issues, leading to spills and dropped pills, and existing dispensing stations are cumbersome to use.
Innovation Solution
A medication dispensing station with a pivoting cradle and connector system that securely attaches a medication dispenser, allowing easy attachment and rotation for dispensing oral solid and liquid medicines, featuring a male and female portion connection and optional automatic dispensing with remote control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing dispensing stations are used, then medication can be dispensed, but the device is difficult to use and requires significant effort that may be impossible for somebody with limited manual dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing station is divided into separate functional modules: a base unit, a cradle that pivots independently, and a medication dispenser that can be easily attached and detached. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing the overall complexity perceived by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle is designed to pivot dynamically between a storage position and a dispensing position, allowing the medication dispenser to be easily accessed and manipulated. This dynamic movement reduces the effort required to dispense medications compared to static dispensing stations.
2Ease of operation
If a connector system is added to releasably attach the medication dispenser to the cradle, then ease of attachment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is designed as a self-aligning, self-latching mechanism where the male and female portions automatically engage when brought together, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment or complex locking procedures. The connector serves itself by guiding the attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a simple, inexpensive mechanism that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than a complex permanent attachment system. This approach prioritizes ease of replacement over long-term durability, suitable for assistive devices.
3Ease of operation
If the cradle is positioned in an elevated position above the support base, then accessibility is improved, but stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle pivots on a horizontal axis allowing it to move between an elevated storage position (improving accessibility) and a lowered dispensing position (improving stability during use). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between accessibility and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle combines multiple functions: it serves as both a storage platform when elevated and a stable mounting surface when lowered. By merging these two positional states into a single pivoting mechanism, the design achieves both accessibility and stability as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A medication dispensing station is provided. The medication dispensing station includes a support base and a cradle pivotally attached to the support base in an elevated position relative to the support base. A medication dispenser may be releasably attachable to the cradle. Therefore, a patient may easily attach the medication dispenser to the cradle, and pivot the cradle to dispense the medication.