Sliding Pill Sorting Tray for Spill-Free Dose Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sorting small pieces of material, such as medication pills, into separate containers are inefficient and prone to spillage, making it difficult for users to manage multiple types of pills with different dosage schedules.
Innovation Solution
A device with a top and bottom portion that can slide between positions, featuring lateral and central troughs, wells, and a biasing mechanism, allowing for precise alignment and sorting of pills into designated containers using a manual or electronic actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sorting methods are used for pills, then users can manage medication, but the process is inefficient and prone to spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sorting device as an intermediary tool between the pill container and the user's manual handling. The device includes a receptacle with multiple compartments and a sorting mechanism that automatically distributes pills into designated compartments, eliminating direct manual contact and control while ensuring accurate placement without spillage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorting device is designed to perform the sorting function autonomously once initialized. The user loads pills into the receptacle and sets the desired distribution pattern, after which the mechanism automatically sorts and distributes the pills into compartments without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby improving efficiency and reducing human error.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of pills with different dosage schedules are managed manually, then users can track medications, but the complexity increases and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is divided into multiple compartments, each designated for specific pill types and dosages. The sorting mechanism segments the pill distribution process by directing different pills to specific compartments based on pre-configured parameters, allowing simultaneous management of multiple medication schedules with precise dosage control in each compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different compartments of the receptacle are designed with specific characteristics suited for different pill types and dosages. Each compartment can be configured with unique properties such as size, shape, or identification markers that match the specific medication requirements, ensuring accurate and adaptable dosage management for various pill types.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for sorting small pieces of material into separate containers includes a top portion having lateral troughs, each including a bottom surface, at least a well therein, and at least a through opening in a bottom of the at least a well. The device includes a bottom portion including a substantially planar surface having a plurality of openings disposed therethrough and a plurality of sections of unbroken surface. Each opening of the plurality of openings and section of the plurality of sections of unbroken surface corresponds to an opening of the at least a through opening of the two lateral troughs, and the top portion and bottom portion are mutually slidable between a first position where the plurality of sections of unbroken surface are beneath the at least a through opening and a second position in which the plurality of openings are beneath the at least a through opening.