Tablet Dispensing Assembly Lock Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing controlled substances like opioids lack effective control over access and adherence to predefined regimens, leading to issues such as missed doses, over-doses, and unauthorized access, which contributes to addiction and abuse.
Innovation Solution
A tablet and capsule dispensing assembly with a lock mechanism that prevents rotation of the tablet disc during a predetermined time interval, ensuring access only as specified, and includes a display to show the time to next dosage and a history of usage, integrated with a solenoid actuator and ratchet system for secure and controlled dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an honor system is used to manage controlled substance distribution, then end-users are trusted to follow the regimen, but access control and adherence to predefined regimens are ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
A lock mechanism acts as an intermediary between the tablet disc and the user, physically controlling access to tablets. The lock can be in a locked state preventing rotation of the tablet disc, or an unlocked state allowing rotation, thereby mediating the adherence to dosing schedules without requiring complex electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing assembly enables self-service by allowing users to manually rotate the tablet disc when the lock is unlocked, take tablets as needed, and then manually re-engage the lock. This simple self-service mechanism maintains reliability while preserving user autonomy and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a lock mechanism is added to prevent rotation of the tablet disc, then access control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, standalone mechanism that can be independently engaged or disengaged from the tablet disc rotation system. This modular approach adds access control capability while minimizing integration complexity with the rest of the dispensing assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex motorized or electronic locking system that actively controls rotation, the invention uses a passive mechanical lock that simply prevents rotation when engaged. The user manually overrides the lock when needed, inverting the typical control paradigm from active system control to passive user-initiated control.
3Ease of operation
If manual rotation of the tablet disc is allowed, then ease of operation is improved, but unauthorized access and early dosing may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism provides preliminary anti-action by being in a default locked state that prevents rotation of the tablet disc before the dosing interval has elapsed. This pre-established barrier prevents unauthorized access and early dosing, while still allowing legitimate user operation when the lock is unlocked at the appropriate time.
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 solution ensures that controlled substances are dispensed according to a predefined regimen, preventing early access and allowing for accurate tracking and adherence, thereby reducing the risk of addiction and abuse by ensuring timely and controlled administration.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid actuator arranged to move between an engaged state with the ratchet to prevent rotation of the tablet disc and a disengaged state from the ratchet to allow rotation of the tablet disc
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet arranged to be movable relative to the case between an engaged state with the case and a disengaged state from the case
Data Source
AI summary
A tablet and capsule dispensing assembly, comprising a case including an inner circumferential surface having a first plurality of teeth a tablet disc having a plurality of tablets disposed circumferentially thereon, the tablet disc arranged to rotate within the case, and a lock arranged to engage with the first plurality of teeth to prevent rotation of the tablet disc in a first rotational direction during a first predetermined time interval.