Volumetric Solid Particulate Measuring Device with Adjustable Chamber

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for faster and more accurate measurement of specific quantities of solid particulate substances, particularly in pharmaceutical applications where traditional weighing methods are tedious and inconvenient, especially for pediatric healthcare where multiparticulate formulations are used.

Innovation Solution

A solid particulate measuring device comprising a translating cylinder, a stationary cylinder, and gate mechanisms that allow for adjustable measurement volumes, enabling precise measurement and dispensing of solid particulates, with options for spring-loaded stoppers and plank-style gates for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional weighing methods are used to measure solid particulate substances, then measurement can be performed with basic equipment, but the process is tedious and inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical weighing system with a volumetric measurement system using a measuring cup and dispenser. Instead of weighing solid particulate substances on a scale, the invention uses calibrated volumetric chambers to measure and dispense precise quantities directly, eliminating the need for mechanical weighing while improving both speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If solid particulate substances are stored as solids, then stability is improved at wider temperature ranges and longer periods, but measurement and dosing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoidmeasurement convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the solid particulate substance into measurable volumetric units using a divided measuring cup with multiple calibrated chambers. Each chamber can hold a specific volume of solid particulates, allowing easy portioning and measurement without requiring the substance to be in liquid or dissolved form, thus maintaining stability while improving measurability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed volume measuring chamber is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate different measurement volumes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume adjustabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a movable plunger or adjustable chamber mechanism that allows the measuring cup to dynamically change its internal volume. The plunger can be positioned at different heights or the chamber can be configured to provide different volumetric measurements, enabling the same device to measure multiple volumes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10870526B2Solid particulate measuring devices, systems, and methods

Publication Date: 2020.12.22 WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES INC

AI summary

Solid particulate measuring devices, systems, and methods for using the devices and systems are provided for easier and more accurate measurement of specific volumes. For example, a specific dose of a pharmaceutical multiparticulate composition can be measured out accurately and easily in a variety of settings using the devices and systems described herein.