Programmable Medication Dispenser with Solenoid Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prescription drug abuse and incorrect medication timing can lead to catastrophic results due to forgetfulness or improper dosing.
Innovation Solution
A programmable and secured medication dispenser with a microcontroller that activates solenoids to dispense medication according to a scheduled plan, using pill and liquid release rotary solenoids, and a locking system to ensure accurate and timely distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a medication dispenser is made programmable with microcontroller and solenoids to ensure accurate dosing timing, then medication dosing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated electronic control. A microcontroller unit (MCU) programmably controls solenoid actuators to dispense medications at precise scheduled times, eliminating the need for manual timing and dosing calculations by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser system performs self-monitoring and self-dispensing operations. The MCU tracks medication schedules, monitors pill container levels, and automatically activates solenoids to dispense correct dosages without requiring user intervention for timing or dosage calculation.
2Reliability
If a locking system with solenoid is added to prevent unauthorized access and ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A solenoid-actuated locking mechanism serves as an intermediary between the control system and physical access to medications. The solenoid engages or disengages a lock on the dispenser container based on authentication status, providing controlled access without requiring complex mechanical key systems.
3Productivity
If automated solenoid-based dispensing mechanism is implemented to eliminate forgetfulness, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads medications into the dispenser container during setup, and the MCU pre-calculates and stores the dispensing schedule. When dispensing time arrives, the pre-programmed instructions automatically trigger the appropriate solenoid to release the correct dosage, eliminating the need for daily manual preparation.
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 device ensures medications are taken as prescribed, reducing the risk of abuse and incorrect dosing by automating the dispensing process based on user-programmed schedules and quantities, thereby enhancing adherence and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The secured and programmable medical dispenser has a dispenser body mechanically coupled to a dispenser lid with a locking solenoid
Implementation Method 2
A pill release rotary solenoid is attached to the pill tube distal end
Implementation Method 3
A liquid release rotary solenoid is attached to the liquid tube distal end
Data Source
AI summary
A secured and programmable medical dispenser is configured to distribute medicine according to a schedule. The secured and programmable medical dispenser has a dispenser body mechanically coupled to a dispenser lid with a locking solenoid. A pill tube is arranged within the dispenser body and further has an open pill tube proximal end and a pill tube distal end. A pill release rotary solenoid is attached to the pill tube distal end. A liquid tube is arranged within the dispenser body and further has an open liquid tube proximal end and a liquid tube distal end. A liquid release rotary solenoid is attached to the liquid tube distal end. A microcontroller is attached to the dispenser lid, communicatively coupled to the pill release rotary solenoid and the liquid release rotary solenoid.