Rotating Multi-Latch Mechanism for Secure Medication Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Securable medication dispensing cabinets often require complex mechanics and motors, reducing storage space and increasing costs, while existing solutions fail to provide efficient and independent access to containers within the cabinet.
Innovation Solution
The drawer system includes an independent actuation mechanism with a rotating activation member and actuators that selectively open containers without requiring cabinet-mounted motors, allowing for efficient storage and dispensing of items and preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanics and motors are attached to the cabinet to lock medication containers, then security and access control are improved, but storage space is reduced and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented by distributing individual latch mechanisms to each container rather than using a centralized cabinet-mounted motor system. Each container has its own independent latch that can be actuated separately, eliminating the need for large cabinet-mounted mechanics and freeing up storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanism is extracted from the cabinet structure and integrated directly into the drawer assembly. The activation member and actuators are mounted on the drawer itself, removing the dependency on cabinet-mounted motors and mechanics, thereby increasing storage space while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If complex mechanics and motors are attached to the cabinet to lock medication containers, then security and access control are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive latch mechanisms and actuators that can be manufactured at low cost. Each container uses a basic latch-and-actuator assembly rather than expensive motorized systems, reducing manufacturing costs while providing adequate security for medication storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple mechanical latches that can be actuated by a straightforward rotation mechanism, eliminating the need for complex control systems and expensive components. The design prioritizes simplicity and ease of manufacture over high-tech solutions.
3Device complexity
If a centralized locking mechanism is used for all containers, then device complexity is reduced, but selective access to individual containers is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into independent latch mechanisms for each container, allowing selective actuation of individual latches. The activation member can rotate to positions that engage or disengage specific actuators, enabling selective access to individual containers while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation member is designed to rotate between multiple discrete positions, dynamically engaging different actuators as needed. This rotational mechanism provides versatile selective access capability while maintaining a simple mechanical structure without requiring complex control systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are positioned to actuate different fasteners, then selective container access is enabled, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A single activation member serves multiple functions by rotating to different positions to actuate different actuators. This universal component replaces what would otherwise require multiple independent control mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while enabling selective access to multiple containers.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple actuator control functions are merged into a single rotational activation mechanism. The activation member combines the functionality of multiple independent actuators into one unified control element, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining the ability to selectively access individual containers.
Data Source
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AI summary
A drawer that includes a container and an activation member is disclosed. The container includes a receptacle and a lid. The lid moves between an open position allowing access to the receptacle and a closed position restricting access to the receptacle. The container further includes a fastener, coupled to the lid, to fasten the lid to the receptacle when the lid is in the closed position. The activation member moves radially around a longest axis of the activation member, and includes an actuator. When the activation member is rotated in a first direction, the actuator is placed into a first orientation relative to the fastener. When the activation member is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction, the actuator is placed into a second orientation relative to the fastener such that the actuator actuates the fastener to cause the lid to move into the open position.