Variable Dose Microtablet Dispenser Using Rotatable Array Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microtablet dispensers lack the ability to provide variable and multiple doses of microtablets, as they are limited to a single fixed dose or restricted in the range of dispensable quantities, making it difficult to accurately administer varying doses to patients, especially those requiring adjustments based on their condition.
Innovation Solution
A microtablet dispenser with a rotatable microtablet reservoir disc and dose selector plate, allowing for multiple dosing arrays and apertures that can be aligned to dispense varying quantities of microtablets from 1 to 20, enabling precise and adjustable dosing by aligning specific arrays with dosing positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed dose dispenser is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different patient needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir disc is segmented into multiple discrete arrays, with each array containing a specific number of microtablets (from 1 to 20). This segmentation allows the dispenser to provide variable doses by selecting different arrays, resolving the contradiction between dose variability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir disc is made rotatable, allowing dynamic selection of different arrays. This dynamic capability enables the dispenser to adapt to different dosing requirements without requiring multiple separate devices, thus improving adaptability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior art dispensers with multiple slidable barriers are used, then some dose variability is achieved, but the range of dispensable quantities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using linear arrangements with slidable barriers, the invention uses a radial arrangement of arrays on a rotatable disc. This dimensional change from linear to radial organization allows for a broader range of dispensable quantities (1-20 microtablets) without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.
3Measurement precision
If microtablets are made smaller for better dose customization, then dose precision is improved, but handling and counting accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Microtablets are pre-counted and organized into specific arrays during manufacturing, with each array containing a predetermined number of microtablets (1-20). This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual counting and handling of individual microtablets during use, thus maintaining dose accuracy while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser system automatically dispenses the correct number of microtablets by rotating to the selected array and allowing gravity to feed the microtablets through the dispensing mechanism. This self-service capability eliminates manual handling requirements, resolving the contradiction between dose precision and handling difficulty.
Data Source
AI summary
A microtablet dispenser is provided herein including: a microtablet reservoir disc including a plurality of wells each formed to accommodate at least one microtablet, the wells being arranged in at least one array; a screen plate having at least one opening shaped to expose all of the wells of one of the arrays when aligned therewith; and, a dose selector plate including a plurality of dosing apertures arranged in a plurality of dosing arrays of different patterns. With one of the arrays being aligned with the at least one opening of the screen plate and with a selected dosing array, the microtablets accommodated in the wells aligned with dosing apertures are free to pass through the corresponding dosing apertures so as to be dispensed therefrom, while the wells of the array not aligned with dosing apertures are obstructed by solid portions of the dose selector plate.