Unit Dose Containers for Liquid Medications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiple dose packaging of acetaminophen for children is prone to overdosing and contamination due to inaccurate measurement, potential misuse of adult formulations, and risk of contamination from improper handling and storage.
Innovation Solution
Unit dose containers made using blow-fill-seal technology, available in specific sizes corresponding to child weight ranges, with features like opposed finger rests, twist-off closure, and low viscosity analgesic suspension for accurate dosing and reduced contamination risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple dose bottles are used for liquid acetaminophen, then the medication can be stored for extended periods, but the risk of contamination and overdosing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multiple dose bottle into separate single-use unit dose containers. Each container is a separate, sealed unit that can be stored individually and then used as a single dose, eliminating the contamination risks associated with opening and storing multiple dose bottles while maintaining extended storage capability through proper sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable unit dose containers that are sealed until use and then discarded. This eliminates the need to repeatedly open and close multiple dose bottles, preventing contamination from syringe insertion and hand contact while maintaining storage stability through the sealed container design.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple dose bottles are used, then medication can be stored, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to close graduations on cups and syringe limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dosing process by providing pre-measured unit dose containers with clearly marked dosage amounts. This eliminates the measurement difficulties of reading close graduations on cups or dealing with syringe bubbles, as each container is pre-filled with the exact dose needed for the child's weight range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and presentation of the medication from bulk liquid in a bottle to pre-measured units in sealed containers. This parameter change from volume-based measurement to discrete unit dosing eliminates measurement errors while maintaining storage capability.
3Measurement precision
If unit dose containers are used for specific weight ranges, then dosing accuracy improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple container sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent varies the container size parameter to match different child weight ranges, providing appropriate dosing accuracy for each age group. This parameter change in container volume directly corresponds to the dosing requirements, improving accuracy without requiring complex measurement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the product line into discrete size categories corresponding to different weight ranges. This segmentation provides clear, age-appropriate dosing options while maintaining simplicity through standardized container designs that differ only in size, not in complexity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the liquid has high viscosity, then product stability improves, but dose evacuation becomes incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter of the liquid suspension to balance stability during storage with complete evacuation during use. By controlling the viscosity within a specific range, the medication remains stable in the container but flows completely when the child squeezes the container, eliminating dosing errors from residual medication.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents overdosing and contamination by providing precise dosing and easy administration, ensuring accurate delivery of the correct medication amount while maintaining product stability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The containers are made using blow-fill-seal (BFS) technology
Implementation Method 2
The analgesic suspension has a relatively low viscosity that flows more easily than the suspensions of the prior art
Data Source
AI summary
A dosing system for analgesic liquid suspensions including unit dose containers made using blow-fill-seal (BFS) technology. The containers come in various sizes and hold appropriate doses for specific weight ranges. Each container has body with a compartment for holding the liquid, finger rests for squeezing the container to expel the liquid, a tab at one end for labeling, and a twist-off closure at the other end. In the larger containers, the opening end has a lip rest, which is a flattened section that includes opposed, curved depressions. In the smallest container, the opening end has a long tapered neck. The suspension has a relatively low viscosity to ensure more complete dose evacuation from the container. The containers will be sold in assemblages of various combinations of sizes.