Trapezoidal Visual Verification Pharmacy Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated prescription filling systems in pharmacies lead to increased prescription errors, particularly commingling of medications due to structural issues in existing pill trays that hinder full visual verification, such as crevices and blind spots, which can result in life-threatening consequences.
Innovation Solution
A visual verification pill tray with a trapezoidal design featuring a substantially transparent surface and an open-ended spout, designed to prevent pill lodgment and facilitate easy identification of stray pills, using polymers like HDPE and PP for durability and high contrast to minimize errors during the verification process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pill trays with crevices and complex surfaces are used, then pill containment is achieved, but visual verification is hindered and pill lodgment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved surfaces instead of flat surfaces with crevices. The tray features a continuously curved bottom surface and rounded corners that eliminate blind spots and crevices where pills could be hidden, allowing pharmacists to visually verify all areas of the tray without obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes high-contrast color combinations between the tray surface and pill containers. The tray employs a light-colored surface with dark markings or vice versa, creating maximum visual contrast that enhances the visibility of stray pills and facilitates complete visual verification of the tray contents.
2Productivity
If automated filling systems are implemented, then drug distribution efficiency is improved, but prescription filling errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual feedback mechanisms through high-contrast markings, outlined compartments, and clearly defined pill placement zones. These visual cues provide immediate feedback to pharmacists during the verification process, enabling them to quickly identify any misplaced or stray pills and correct errors before final dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray design includes pre-marked compartments and visual guides that indicate the correct placement for different pill types before the verification process begins. This preliminary organization helps pharmacists systematically verify each compartment, reducing the cognitive load and minimizing errors during the repetitive verification process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex tray structures with multiple compartments are used, then pill organization is improved, but blind spots and crevices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tray into multiple clearly defined compartments with raised dividers that create distinct separation between different pill types. Each compartment is visually marked and designed to accommodate specific pill quantities, allowing organized storage while maintaining complete visibility into each section without crevices or hidden areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray employs asymmetric compartment designs with varying sizes and shapes optimized for different prescription requirements. The compartments are strategically positioned and sized to match common pill quantities and types, providing adaptability for various prescription configurations while maintaining a simple, crevice-free surface that facilitates visual verification.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a pill tray that allows a user to efficiently and reliably verify the contents of a filled prescription. Design features that avoid the presence of sharp edges and allow visualization of the entire surface of the pill tray help reduce and/or eliminate the risk of commingling of pills between separate prescriptions.