Rotating Shaft Dispenser for Oral Dosage Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for dispensing solid oral dosage forms, such as pellets and microtablets, lack precision and flexibility in administering specific doses, particularly for pediatric, geriatric, and controlled substance medications, and are prone to overdosing due to limitations in variable dosing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing device with rotating shaft and tines that translate along channels to accurately dispense specific units of solid oral dosage forms, allowing for customizable dosing through a control unit and detachable cartridge, enabling sequential or simultaneous dispensing of multiple units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional dispensing devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but dosing precision and flexibility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing device segments the dosage form into individual units (pellets, microtablets, or minitablets) that can be dispensed separately. Each unit can be independently controlled and dispensed through the channel, enabling precise dosing. The segmentation allows the device to provide exact unit-based dosing rather than dispensing entire tablets or capsules, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex external dosing tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a rotatable shaft with tines that can dynamically adjust the dispensing process. The shaft rotates to different angular positions to select different units for dispensing, and the tines can be positioned at various axial locations to control which segmented units are dispensed. This dynamic positioning mechanism enables flexible dosing configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed dosage forms like tablets are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability for different dosing requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dosage form is segmented into multiple discrete units (pellets, microtablets, or minitablets) that can be independently dosed. This segmentation allows the same manufactured unit to provide different dosing amounts by controlling the number of units dispensed, thereby achieving dosing flexibility without requiring multiple different dosage forms to be manufactured.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing device is designed to be universal for different dosage forms (pellets, microtablets, minitablets) and different dosing requirements. The same device structure with adjustable shaft and tines can dispense various numbers of units to meet different dosing needs, making the device multi-functional for pediatric, geriatric, and controlled substance medications without requiring specialized manufacturing for each indication.
3Ease of operation
If manual tablet crushing is used, then dosing flexibility is achieved, but patient safety and ease of operation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs the dosing function automatically without requiring manual tablet crushing or division by the patient. The control unit automatically selects and dispenses the precise number of units based on the prescribed dosage, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the dosing process. This self-service mechanism improves ease of operation while enhancing safety by removing the risk of human error in manual dosing.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a control unit that provides feedback control for the dispensing process. The control unit monitors and regulates the rotation of the shaft, the positioning of the tines, and the dispensing of units to ensure accurate dosing. This feedback mechanism ensures that the correct number of units is dispensed, improving reliability and safety while making the device easier to operate compared to manual dosing methods.
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 provides precise and flexible dosing, reducing the risk of overdosing and improving patient compliance by allowing for exact unit-based dosing of medications, particularly beneficial for pediatric, geriatric, and controlled substance medications.
Implementation Method 1
a nut located on the shaft and configured to translate along the axis upon rotation of the shaft
Implementation Method 2
each of the one or more tines extend into a respective one of the channels and are configured to push the units of the solid oral dosage form along the length of the respective channel to the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for dispensing a solid oral dosage form is provided that includes one or more channels, each configured to store a plurality of units of the solid oral dosage form and having an outlet for dispensing the units therefrom. The apparatus further includes a rotatable shaft and a nut located on the shaft and configured to translate upon rotation of the shaft. The apparatus further includes one or more tines configured to translate with the nut. Each of the tine extends into a respective channel and is configured to push the units of the solid oral dosage form along the length of the respective channel to the outlet. Rotation of the shaft about its axis causes the units of the solid oral dosage form to be dispensed from the outlets of the channel(s) due to the translation of the one or more tines within the respective channel.