Portable Medication Dispenser with Segmented Cartridge Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medication dispensing devices fail to provide patients with access to multiple weeks of dosages of multiple medications taken at different times, are not portable, and lack automatic filling and emptying capabilities, as well as feedback mechanisms for adherence.
Innovation Solution
A medication dispensing device with portable components that automatically fill and empty, featuring cartridges with sliding separating walls for multiple compartments, a pills shifter, and a system for sending feedback via GSM or email, ensuring timely access to medication and tracking adherence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a medication dispensing device provides multiple weeks of dosages of multiple medications, then the patient has access to adequate supply, but the device becomes bulky and non-portable
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple cartridges, each containing a specific medication type with its own compartments for different dosages. This segmentation allows the system to store multiple weeks of multiple medications in an organized, space-efficient manner while maintaining portability through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cartridges are nested within a single portable housing unit, with each cartridge containing multiple compartments. This nested structure maximizes storage capacity within a compact form factor, enabling the device to hold multiple weeks of multiple medications without becoming excessively large.
2Extent of automation
If the device provides automatic filling and emptying capabilities, then patient adherence is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically performs filling and emptying operations without requiring manual intervention. When a cartridge is inserted or removed, the system automatically detects this event and initiates the corresponding filling or emptying sequence, reducing the need for complex user interfaces and manual controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-programmed with the patient's medication schedule and dosage requirements. When a cartridge is inserted, the system automatically loads the appropriate medications into the correct compartments based on the pre-programmed schedule, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing operational complexity.
3Loss of information
If the device includes feedback mechanisms for adherence tracking, then patient compliance is monitored, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically track and report patient adherence to the medication schedule. The system monitors when medications are dispensed and provides feedback to both the patient and healthcare provider, enabling real-time compliance monitoring without requiring complex manual tracking systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an intelligent medication dispensing device that gives a patient access to his/her right daily doses of oral solid medications anywhere at the right time. The device is programmed to alert the patient when the doses due time occurs. The medication dispensing device of the present invention comprises essentially a plurality of cartridges divided into a plurality of compartments, a plurality of cylinders to position the cartridges in the device of the present invention, a medication box, a non-taken medication storage component, a portable component, and a plurality of actuators. The portable component can be taken by the patient to any place in order for such patient to adhere to his/her medication doses. The device of the present invention stores the missed dosages in the non-taken medication storage component, and thus prevents the accumulation of such missed doses with a new dose, which has its due time occurred.