Tablet Splitter With Spring-Elastic Fixing and Detachable Blade

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tablet dividers require significant effort to operate, pose a risk of injury due to exposed blades, and are not universally suitable for different tablet sizes, making them difficult for elderly users and those with motor disabilities to handle effectively.

Innovation Solution

A tablet divider with a base body and a dividing body that includes a fixing part for secure tablet placement, a spring-elastic element for easy centering and fixation, and a detachable cutting tool guided by a base body slot, allowing for precise division with reduced risk of injury and adaptable to various tablet sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a complex mechanism is used to provide sufficient pressure at precisely defined points on a tablet, then the tablet can be divided precisely, but the device complexity increases and is limited to certain tablet sizes or shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetablet division precisionVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a base body and a dividing body that can be separated. The dividing body contains the cutting tool and can be detached, allowing the device to handle different tablet sizes and shapes without requiring a completely new mechanism for each type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base body is designed with a receptacle that can accommodate various tablet sizes and shapes. The dividing body with the cutting tool can be applied universally to different tablets by simply placing them in the receptacle, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If a blade is provided that is introduced into a lid of the container with a holding device for the tablet, then the tablet can be divided along a defined cutting line, but there is a considerable risk of injury for the operator due to the protruding blade

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting line precisionVSAvoidinjury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool is extracted from a fixed position in the lid and integrated into a movable dividing body that is part of the base body assembly. This allows the cutting tool to be retracted when not in use and eliminates the hazard of a permanently protruding blade.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting tool is merged with the dividing body and base body through a screw connection, creating an integrated assembly where the cutting tool is only exposed when the dividing body is actively positioned for cutting. This reduces the time the blade is exposed and minimizes injury risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the lid is not firmly connected to the container, then the device is easier to open and close, but the risk of accidentally reaching into the protruding blade is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid operation easeVSAvoidaccidental contact risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool is taken out from the lid structure and integrated into the base body assembly. This eliminates the hazard of a blade that could be accidentally contacted when opening or closing the lid, while maintaining easy operation of the lid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Manufacturing precision

If a fixing part that can be assembled with the base body is provided for fixing the tablet in the receptacle, then the tablet can be securely positioned for division, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetablet positioning precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing part is segmented into components that can be easily assembled with the base body. The dividing body itself serves as the fixing mechanism when positioned over the receptacle, eliminating the need for separate complex fixing devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dividing body, when positioned over the receptacle, automatically centers and fixes the tablet through the geometric constraints of the receptacle and dividing body interfaces. No additional active fixing mechanisms are required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 device minimizes operational effort, reduces the risk of injury, and ensures precise dosage by allowing easy handling and storage of divided tablets, accommodating different sizes and shapes with enhanced safety and usability.

Implementation Method 1

The base body (1) has a spring-elastic element (4) for generating an elastic clamping force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The base body (1) has a spring-elastic element (4) for generating an elastic clamping force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3996653B1Tablet splitter and method for splitting a tablet
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 SONNENSCHEIN GBR
  • EP3996653B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3996653B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3996653B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a tablet splitter and a method for splitting a tablet, comprising a main body having a receptacle for the tablet and a splitting part having a cutting tool for splitting the tablet. According to the invention, the tablet splitter comprises a fixing part for fixing the tablet in the receptacle of the main body, which fixing part can be joined with the main part.