Variable Orifice and Image Identification for Medication Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medication dispensing systems fail to reliably and accurately dispense precise dosages of medications, particularly for patients with impaired eyesight or cognitive functions, often leading to missed medications and errors in dosage timing.
Innovation Solution
An automated dispensing apparatus with a variable orifice and image identification system that uses a vacuum probe and digital image capture to ensure accurate retrieval and identification of medications, employing a rotatable carousel and pre-dispense port for controlled access, and a retrieval probe with a compliant tip for precise object handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed aperture is used for object retrieval, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to singulate objects of different sizes is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable aperture mechanism that dynamically adjusts its opening size based on the dimensions of the object being retrieved. The aperture transitions from a static fixed opening to a dynamic adjustable opening, allowing the system to adapt to different object sizes while maintaining the capability to singulate (separate) individual objects from a container.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the aperture (its opening size) to match the dimensions of different objects. By varying the aperture parameter, the system can selectively pass objects of specific sizes while blocking others, enabling precise object retrieval and singulation without requiring complex mechanical structures.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple objects are retrieved simultaneously, then the productivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision of dosage is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a periodic retrieval process where objects are fetched one at a time in sequence rather than simultaneously. The system performs repeated individual retrieval cycles, each precisely controlled to extract a single object through the variable aperture, ensuring dosage precision while maintaining acceptable throughput through automated continuous operation.
3Reliability
If image identification is implemented, then the reliability of correct object retrieval is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and mechanical object verification with an automated image recognition system. The mechanical system that would require human operators to visually identify and verify objects is substituted with electronic imaging sensors and computer vision algorithms, automatically capturing and analyzing object images to confirm correct retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The image identification system provides feedback to the control system to verify that the correct object has been retrieved. The captured images are processed and compared against expected object characteristics, and this feedback information is used to confirm successful retrieval or trigger corrective actions if the wrong object is obtained, thereby enhancing system reliability.
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
The system reliably dispenses the correct dosage of medications while preventing multi-object retrieval and ensuring accurate identification, reducing errors and improving patient adherence to medication regimens.
Implementation Method 1
Using a vacuum probe for the pick and place system can improve the design, for example by permitting the use of the vacuum pressure as an indication of the successful pick or retrieval of an object
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for dispensing objects from automated storage and retrieval systems such as medications is disclosed which may also include a singulator to assure singulation (retrieval of singular objects). The singulator may be an imaging system to confirm and/or identify the objects being dispensed and/or a variable orifice dynamically adjustable to a specific object or pill size, and through which only a single object or pill is allowed to pass. The system may further include a flexible probe so as to reduce the size of the system where the movement of the probe relative to or while retrieving objects is accomplished by advancing/retracting a flexible tube. The method and apparatus may further include an imaging system.