Timed Dispense Pill Bottle with Antagonist Chute
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lockable pill bottles are prone to tampering and require unfamiliar structures, lacking a secure method for unsupervised pill storage and dispensing that prevents abuse.
Innovation Solution
A lockable pill bottle with a timing mechanism that allows pill dispensing only at specified times, featuring a movable blocking device that can be manually or automatically unlocked, and an opioid antagonist to prevent misuse, ensuring secure and controlled access to medication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lockable pill bottle is used to prevent abuse, then security against tampering is improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is divided into multiple segments or components including a blocking portion, a movable portion, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall security, reducing the complexity of the entire locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing mechanism automatically controls the blocking device without requiring external supervision. The device serves itself by automatically unlocking at predetermined times, eliminating the need for third-party supervision while maintaining security and simplifying operation for the user.
2Productivity
If a timing mechanism is added to enable controlled pill release, then pill dispensing control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timing mechanism is merged with the blocking device into a single integrated assembly. The timing mechanism directly actuates the blocking device to move between blocked and unblocked positions, combining two functions into one mechanism and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device serves multiple functions: it physically blocks pill passage, acts as a timing mechanism interface, and provides a visible indicator of dispensing status. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Productivity
If a movable blocking device is used to control pill passage, then pill dispensing control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device automatically moves between blocked and unblocked positions based on timing signals, eliminating the need for manual operation by the user. This self-service mechanism maintains strict dispensing control while simplifying user interaction to merely observing or receiving the automatically dispensed pill.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's need for medication and the physical blocking device. It translates timing information into mechanical movement of the blocking device, providing precise control while keeping the operation simple for the user.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the blocking device is locked for predetermined time intervals, then abuse prevention is improved, but loss of time increases due to waiting periods
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device operates on a periodic cycle, alternating between blocked and unblocked states at predetermined intervals. This periodic action prevents abuse by ensuring pills are only accessible at specific times, while the regular timing pattern makes the waiting periods predictable and manageable for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing mechanism is pre-programmed with the prescribed dosing schedule before use. This preliminary configuration establishes the locked and unlocked intervals in advance, preventing abuse through pre-determined timing while eliminating the need for users to calculate or decide when to access pills, reducing perceived time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A pill bottle which is locked has a chute for the exit of pills therefrom. Within the chute or the walls of the pill bottle (or both) is a chemical such as an opioid antagonist or another which is designed to destroy the physiological and/or medicinal effect of the pill or pills held there-within. The chemical can further be transparent and become colored upon contact with the pills. In this manner, the pills can be dosed and only exit at pre-defined times and pre-defined amounts and tampering with the bottle results in destruction of the pills.