Timed Locking Pill Bottle for Tamper-Resistant Dispensing
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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 includes an opioid antagonist to neutralize narcotics if tampered with, ensuring secure and controlled pill release.
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 decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is divided into a first portion that blocks the shaft and a second portion with a portal for pill removal. This segmentation allows the device to maintain security while providing a simplified user interface for pill dispensing, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device serves as an intermediary mechanism between the secure storage cavity and the user. It controls pill release through a simple manual movement operation, providing security without requiring complex locking mechanisms or unfamiliar structures.
2Reliability
If a timing mechanism is added to control pill release intervals, then abuse prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The timing mechanism enables periodic release of the blocking device at predetermined time intervals. This allows the system to maintain security and prevent abuse through automated time-based control, while the simple blocking device movement keeps the overall device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing mechanism automatically controls the release schedule without requiring user intervention or supervision. The blocking device moves autonomously at programmed intervals, providing abuse prevention through self-service timing control.
3Ease of operation
If the blocking device is made manually movable for simplicity, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unsupervised use decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device transitions from a static locked position to a movable state only at predetermined time intervals. This dynamic behavior allows simple manual operation when needed while maintaining security through automated timing control that prevents unsupervised or premature access.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device is enabled for manual movement only at periodic intervals determined by the timing mechanism. This periodic enablement maintains ease of operation during authorized access while preventing unsupervised use at inappropriate times.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed pill bottle allows for timed dispensing of medicine, as programmed by a physician, pharmacist, or caregiver. The device has a slot for pill entry in any one of the walls, the slot being sealable and lockable. In an unlocked and open condition, the slot is a portal from the outside of the bottle into an inner cavity, the cavity being adapted for pill storage and extending between the slot/opening for pill entry and an exit tube. The exit tube is sized for single-file passage of a plurality of pills. A button or blocking device (defined as a mechanical and/or physical object which prevents movement of a pill out of the device) is movable only at pre-programmed intervals of time, allowing the exit of a pill or dosage of pills.