Segmented-Tray Solid Dosage Dispenser for Medication Adherence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for dispensing solid dosage medications, such as pills and capsules, fail to promote proper patient education, accountability, and adherence, particularly in patients with chronic illnesses, leading to poor compliance with medication regimens.
Innovation Solution
A solid dosage medicament dispensing system comprising a housing, a tray, a retrieval probe, a user interface, and a control system that allows for automated dispensing based on user inputs, with features like a pre-dispensing tray, load cell, and a user interface for inputting medication information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated dispensing systems are implemented, then medication adherence and accuracy are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides medication storage into multiple compartments organized by day and time, with each compartment accessible through a tray that segments the dispensing process. The retrieval probe operates independently to pick and place medications, while the housing provides structural segmentation. This modular compartmentalization enables automated reliable dispensing without requiring a single complex mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables patients to independently load their own medication containers into the tray and retrieve dispensed medications without requiring complex external assistance. The automated probe performs the picking and placing actions that would otherwise require manual dexterity, allowing elderly or incapacitated patients to self-serve while maintaining medication adherence.
2Device complexity
If manual dispensing from disposable containers is used, then device complexity is reduced, but medication adherence and patient education deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The automated retrieval probe acts as an intermediary between the medication containers and the patient, performing the precise action of picking and placing medications. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for complex patient instructions while ensuring accurate dispensing, bridging the gap between simple container design and reliable medication adherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through the user interface to confirm proper tray loading and dispensing status. This feedback loop guides patients through the process without requiring complex instructions, reinforcing correct usage behavior and improving adherence through immediate confirmation rather than complex procedural guidance.
3Device complexity
If multiple medication containers are managed manually, then device complexity is minimized, but time management and accuracy of dosing deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tray segments medication storage by organizational units (days and times), allowing multiple containers to be arranged systematically rather than randomly. This segmentation enables the simple retrieval probe to efficiently locate and pick medications without requiring complex search or management procedures, saving time while maintaining minimal device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Patients perform the preliminary action of loading containers into the organized tray compartments before needing medications. This advance organization eliminates time-consuming search and management during actual dispensing, allowing the simple automated probe to quickly retrieve medications without requiring complex real-time management systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a solid dosage medicament dispensing system including a user interface configured to receive one or more inputs from a user, and a control system configured to perform one or more functions of the solid dosage medicament dispensing system based on the one or more inputs received from the user.