Disposable Suppository Container with Guide Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing, storing, and dispensing compounded suppositories face challenges such as manual handling risks, potential breakage, and quality issues due to the use of metal molds and disposable plastic shells, which can lead to dosage inaccuracies and physical deformations.
Innovation Solution
A container with a base and guide plate design that minimizes manual handling by incorporating a plurality of surface openings with corresponding hollow members, a protective cap system, and a guide plate orientation mechanism to ensure precise dispensing and storage of suppositories, using a sturdy material like polypropylene to maintain integrity and prevent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If metal molds are used for preparing suppositories, then suppositories can be formed and removed, but manual handling is required which risks breakage and partial melting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable plastic shell containers instead of reusable metal molds. Each container is pre-formed with cavities and is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for cleaning and preventing cross-contamination. This disposable approach maintains suppository integrity by avoiding manual handling during removal and prevents breakage that occurs with traditional metal mold extraction.
2Ease of operation
If disposable plastic shells are used for storage, then individual dispensing is enabled, but the plastic is relatively soft which can lead to deformation and dosage inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite construction for the container system, combining rigid outer protective housing with inner plastic shell containers. The rigid outer structure provides mechanical support and prevents deformation, while the inner shells maintain their individual dispensing function. This composite approach ensures dosage accuracy by preventing compression or distortion of the suppositories during storage and handling.
3Ease of operation
If manual handling is used for removing and storing suppositories, then flexibility is provided, but ongoing risk of breakage and quality degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the preparation, storage, and dispensing functions into a single integrated container system. The suppositories remain in their formation cavities throughout the entire process, eliminating the need for manual removal and transfer. The container is designed to be dispensed directly to the patient in the same unit where the suppositories were formed, continuously protecting them from breakage and melting risks.
4Productivity
If metal molds with multiple cavities are used, then batch production is achieved, but cleaning between batches is required to maintain quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable plastic shell containers that are discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for cleaning between batches. Each container is pre-formed with the required number of cavities and is thrown away after one production run, preventing cross-contamination and ensuring quality consistency. This approach maintains batch production efficiency while removing the time-consuming cleaning step entirely.
Data Source
AI summary
A container suitable for the preparation, storage and dispensing of compounded suppositories is provided. Methods of preparing, storing and dispensing compounded suppositories utilizing such a container and related kits are also provided.