Ratchet Advancement Mechanism for Pill Box Adherence Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current healthcare systems lack reliable monitoring mechanisms to ensure patient adherence to medication regimens, as existing devices are prone to inaccuracies and do not effectively track adherence rates, and there is a need for secure and controlled access to medication dispensing systems.

Innovation Solution

A pill box with a rotating carousel and a ratchet advancement mechanism, combined with a tamper detection system and electronic circuitry, that securely dispenses medication and monitors usage, including a central monitoring system to track adherence and prevent unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual time clock mechanism is used to record medication administration, then the system is simple to operate, but the reliability and accuracy of adherence monitoring deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability of adherence monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual time clock mechanisms with an automated electronic monitoring system that uses sensors, microcontrollers, and communication modules to automatically track and verify medication administration, eliminating human error while maintaining ease of use through automated reminders and status indicators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-reporting of adherence data, with the device automatically detecting whether medication has been dispensed and transmitting this information to healthcare providers without requiring manual intervention from patients or workers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple compartments are accessible simultaneously, then the device is versatile for different medications, but the risk of unauthorized access and medication errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility for different medicationsVSAvoidunauthorized access and medication errors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic access control where compartment accessibility changes over time based on prescribed schedules, with only specific compartments unlocked at specific times, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining versatility for multiple medications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an electronic control intermediary between the user and medication compartments, using microcontrollers and sensors to mediate access based on adherence verification, preventing direct unauthorized access while allowing legitimate multi-medication storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If manual adherence tracking is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and efficiency of monitoring deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmonitoring efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual tracking with automated electronic systems including sensors, microcontrollers, and wireless communication modules that automatically monitor and report adherence data, dramatically improving monitoring efficiency despite increased device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where adherence data is automatically collected, analyzed, and transmitted to healthcare providers in real-time, enabling efficient monitoring and immediate intervention when adherence problems are detected

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution ensures accurate tracking of medication adherence, prevents unauthorized access, and provides a secure and efficient method for dispensing medication, enhancing patient compliance and reducing medication diversion.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient member and a stop member configured to facilitate motion of the carousel in a first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

pill box ratchet advancement mechanism includes a resilient member and a stop member configured to facilitate motion of the carousel in a first direction and to restrict motion in a second direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRatchet mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentUS9504628B2Dispensing device with ratchet advancement

Publication Date: 2016.11.29 ABIOGENIX INC

AI summary

Embodiments generally relate to a pill box adapted for dispensing medication. In one embodiment, the pill box includes a base member, a carousel coupled to the base member and configured to rotate about the base member, one or more compartments, each compartment formed within the carousel and configured to store a single dose of medication with a lid configured to enclose the base and the carousel. The pill box ratchet advancement mechanism includes a resilient member and a stop member configured to facilitate motion of the carousel in a first direction and to restrict motion in a second direction, and a locking component configured to permit a pre-determined displacement of the carousel in the first direction and to limit further displacement in the first direction by locking the carousel.