Unit Dose Dispenser
Project Overview
This device was developed to dispense narcotics in a hospital environment. It contains 12 drawers with 12 individual pockets; one dosage is contained within each pocket. When a transaction takes place, the appropriate drawer containing the desired medication opens.
How It Works
A self locking worm gear set, motor, positive clutch, and roller chain assembly drive the drawer linearly out to a specific distance corresponding to the desired quantity of doses. Thus, the drawer indexes to allow the user to access only those pockets containing the prescribed meds.
Our Solution
The first prototype was constructed with machined parts and sheet metal parts. Once the design was tested, molded versions of the machined parts were implemented. The Unit Dose Dispenser successfully entered the market and can be found in Unit Base Cabinets in hospitals today.
Developed for a Hospital Environment
Compact Design
12 identical drive mechanisms packed into one space.
Multiple Medicines and Doses
12 drawers with 12 separate pockets, each containing one dosage.
Safety First
A manual override function is included in the case of power failure.
Manual Override
A lever can be shifted so that all 12 individual drives are in neutral, allowing the operator to manually open the drawers.
The Final Product
The Unit Dose Dispenser successfully entered the market and was integrated into a large health care information technology company’s product line. It features 12 drawers with 12 individual pockets, containing one dosage within each pocket. You can find this device in hospitals today.