Waterproof Medication Dispenser with Screw-Down Cap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medication dispensing apparatuses are prone to contamination and damage from environmental factors, necessitating the development of improved systems that prevent contamination and protect medications from weather elements.

Innovation Solution

A waterproof, automated medication dispenser with a cylindrical design featuring a screw-down cap and gasket, utilizing a drive screw and motor to securely dispense medications while preventing accidental or deliberate misuse, and incorporating a microcontroller for programmable dispensing based on prescriptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If medications are stored in accessible dispensing apparatuses, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination and damage from environmental factors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of medication dispensingVSAvoidcontamination and weather damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing apparatus is segmented into separate compartments or chambers, with certain medications stored in protected sections that are not directly accessible. The system divides the storage space into public access areas and protected areas, allowing easy dispensing of some medications while isolating others from environmental contamination and unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An automated dispensing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the medication. The system uses automated retrieval, packaging, and delivery mechanisms that prevent direct contact between medications and the environment, while still providing convenient access to users through controlled interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If medications are stored in secure, protected apparatuses, then protection from contamination and damage is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from contamination and damageVSAvoidease of medication dispensing

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing apparatus is equipped with automated systems that perform retrieval, packaging, and delivery of medications without requiring manual intervention. Sensors, actuators, and control systems enable the apparatus to serve itself by automatically identifying needed medications, retrieving them from protected storage, and delivering them to users, thereby maintaining both security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical access mechanisms are replaced with automated systems involving sensors, motors, and control electronics. The system uses non-contact or minimized-contact methods for medication retrieval and delivery, substituting complex mechanical interactions with automated control systems that maintain protection while enabling easy dispensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated dispensing mechanisms are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing apparatus is designed with multi-functional components that perform multiple operations. A single automated mechanism handles retrieval, packaging, sealing, and delivery functions, reducing the need for separate specialized components. This universal design maintains high dispensing efficiency while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240189190A1Methods, systems, apparatuses, and devices for facilitating dispensing of medications

Publication Date: 2024.06.13 LEWIS VICTOR HERMAN

AI summary

An apparatus for facilitating dispensing of medications includes a housing comprising an interior space and an opening, a cover coupled with the housing for closing the opening, a medication holder holding a medication disposed in the interior space, a holder driving element, and an actuator for transitioning the holder driving element between positions based on a dispensing information. The housing and the cover are transitionable between a dispensing state and a non-dispensing state. The medication is dispensable through the opening in the dispensing state and not dispensable through the opening in the non-dispensing state. The medication holder includes a coupling element for movably coupling the medication holder with the holder driving element. The transitioning moves the medication holder between a non-dispensable position and a dispensable position. The medication is accessible for dispensing in the dispensable position and the medication is not accessible for the dispensing in the non-dispensable position.