Separable Hard Capsule With Segmented Locking Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hard capsules are either difficult for pediatric and geriatric patients to open due to high opening forces or prone to accidental separation, and they lack uniformity in prelock and closed positions, affecting packaging and printing processes.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece hard capsule design with a lock area and engagement area that allows for a finger-force releasable connection, maintaining a consistent locking force while being easy to open and close, and suitable for high-speed automated processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard hard capsules are designed with high prelock force to prevent accidental separation during transport, then reliability is improved, but the opening force required becomes too high for pediatric and geriatric patients to open manually
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule connection is divided into two distinct functional zones: a prelock area with coupling elements that provide strong holding force during transport, and a lock area with different coupling elements that enable easy manual opening. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the capsule connection have different mechanical properties. The prelock area features coupling elements designed for high holding force, while the lock area features coupling elements designed for low opening force. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If hard capsules are designed to be easily opened by hand with minimal force, then ease of operation is improved, but the capsule becomes prone to accidental separation during transport and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into prelock and lock areas with distinct coupling elements. The prelock area provides strong holding force to prevent accidental separation, while the lock area allows easy manual opening. This segmentation enables both high reliability and ease of operation simultaneously.
3Ease of manufacture
If the capsule design allows for variable prelock and closed positions to accommodate manufacturing tolerances, then ease of manufacture is improved, but uniformity in packaging and printing processes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule design incorporates a prelock area that establishes a predetermined, uniform position before the final closing action. This preliminary positioning ensures consistency in packaging and printing processes while still allowing manufacturing tolerances in the overall assembly process.
4Reliability
If standard capsules require high opening force to maintain secure closed position, then reliability is improved, but the force required exceeds what pediatric and geriatric patients can apply manually
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure features local differentiation with a prelock area providing strong holding force for security, and a lock area with optimized coupling elements requiring minimal force for opening. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between closed position security and opening force requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a separable hard capsule for containing a medication. The capsule may be opened by finger force and used, for example, by pediatric and geriatric patients.