Timed Medicant Dispensing Device with Segmented Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing devices for controlled substances lack effective mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure timely dosing, as they often rely on simple locks and timers that can be easily bypassed or do not guarantee precise medication administration.
Innovation Solution
A timed medicant dispensing device comprising a shell, a disc, a ring with compartments, a rotator, and a timer that aligns compartments with an aperture for controlled dispensing, secured by a lockable bolt to prevent unauthorized access and ensure automated, timed release of medicants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple lock mechanism is used to secure the dispensing device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing abuse is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is segmented into multiple independent components: a bolt that moves between locked and unlocked positions, a timer mechanism with separate timing chambers, and a dispensing mechanism with individual compartments. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function reliably while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary actions by pre-setting the timer mechanism before the locking occurs. The timer is configured to automatically unlock the bolt and activate the dispensing mechanism at predetermined intervals, ensuring that abuse prevention is maintained through automated sequencing rather than requiring complex real-time decision-making circuits.
2Measurement precision
If a timed dispensing mechanism is implemented to ensure precise medication administration, then the dosing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timer mechanism employs periodic action through a rotating disc with multiple timing chambers that sequentially align with a dispensing aperture. Each chamber corresponds to a specific time interval, and as the disc rotates, it automatically activates the appropriate compartment at the correct time. This periodic mechanical timing system achieves precise dosing without requiring complex electronic controllers or microprocessors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic timing and control systems with a purely mechanical timer mechanism. The timing function is achieved through the rotational mechanics of the disc and the mechanical interaction between the timer chambers, rotator arm, and dispensing aperture, eliminating the need for electronic circuits while maintaining dosing precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple compartments are used to store different medicants, then the adaptability of the device is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring structure with multiple compartments serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores different medicants, rotates to present the correct compartment at the correct time, and interfaces with the timer mechanism through the rotator arm. This universal design allows the same structural element to handle storage, timing, and dispensing activation, reducing overall device complexity while improving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The compartments are nested within the rotating ring structure, which itself is nested within the main device housing. The timer chambers are nested within the timer disc, and the entire mechanism is compactly integrated. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional elements to coexist in a space-efficient manner without requiring separate external components for each function.
4Ease of operation
If an automated timer mechanism is used to rotate compartments into position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timer mechanism is designed to be self-service through automatic operation. Once the device is initially set and started, the timer automatically rotates the ring at the correct intervals, the rotator arm automatically positions the correct compartment, and the dispensing occurs automatically without requiring user intervention. This self-service capability simplifies operation for the user while the mechanical automation handles the complexity internally.
Data Source
AI summary
A timed medicant dispensing device for limiting abuse of controlled substances includes a shell, which is selectively securable to the disc so that the shell and the disc define an interior space. The shell has an aperture positioned therein proximate to a perimeter thereof. A ring positioned in the interior space has a plurality of slats engaged thereto and extending outwardly therefrom to define a plurality of compartments. Each compartment is configured to have positioned therein a respective medicant. A rotator engaged to the disc and operationally engaged to the ring is positioned to selectively rotate the ring to align a respective compartment with the aperture. A timer engaged to the disc and operationally engaged to the rotator is positioned to selectively actuate the rotator to rotate the ring to align the respective compartment with the aperture. The aperture is configured to allow dispensing of the respective medicant.