Timed Carousel Medication Dispenser for Secure Dose Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medication dispensers are often large, bulky, and insecure, with complex mechanisms that can fail and do not prevent untimely access to medication.
Innovation Solution
A compact, secure medication dispenser made from penetration-resistant materials with a rotating series of chambers and a timer/display screen/keypad system that requires a PIN or access code for limited, periodic access, ensuring medication is dispensed only during authorized times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing medication dispensers use complex delivery mechanisms to provide timed access, then medication can be dispensed on a periodic basis, but the mechanisms often fail or break and the devices become large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical delivery mechanisms with a simpler system consisting of a rotating carousel with discrete chambers and a controlled access opening. Instead of using conveyors, feed mechanisms, or automated delivery systems that can fail, the invention uses a mechanical rotation system that brings pre-loaded medication chambers to a fixed access point, significantly reducing mechanical complexity and failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The medication supply is divided into discrete chambers on a rotating carousel, with each chamber containing a specific dose. This segmentation allows the system to provide timed access without complex delivery mechanisms - the carousel simply rotates to position the appropriate chamber at the access opening at the prescribed time, eliminating the need for automated feeding or dispensing mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If existing medication dispensers provide access to medication, then users can obtain their prescribed medication, but the devices do not prevent untimely access and can be easily opened by users or third parties
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a locked access opening that can only be opened during authorized time periods. The system proactively prevents unauthorized access through multiple mechanisms: a secure lock that engages during non-access periods, a rotating carousel design that positions chambers away from the access opening when not authorized, and an alarm system that alerts if tampering is detected. This preliminary protective action eliminates the need for complex surveillance or intervention systems.
3Ease of operation
If medication dispensers use simple access mechanisms, then the device is easier to use, but they cannot provide secure controlled access limited to specific time periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the time-control function with the physical access mechanism itself. Rather than using separate electronic locks, software authentication, or complex control systems, the invention integrates the timing mechanism directly into the mechanical carousel rotation and access opening operation. The access opening is physically coupled to the carousel position, so that only when the carousel rotates to the correct position during an authorized time window can the opening be accessed. This merging of functions achieves secure time-controlled access with a simple, intuitive user interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A secure medication dispenser or apparatus dispensing only prescribed amounts of controlled medication (e.g., pain medication, narcotics and the like) on a limited, periodic basis. Medication is dispensed through an access slot. The dispenser cannot be opened by the user or any third party except on this limited, periodic basis. The dispenser is manufactured from strong, penetration-resistant material, and cannot easily be broken, smashed, cut, or otherwise opened.