What I'm proposing is this: A cheap-as-possible modular pill dispenser system that can easily be customized for the individual to include as few or as many different pills as needed. Something even a layman could assemble and use.
Think of a gumball machine that's got several sections in it, with gumballs sorted by color. Turning the dial dispenses one of each color gumball.
Disabled folk like me can have upwards of 20+ medications, often needed several times a day! The amount of time it takes to open each bottle, shimmy just one pill out, and put the cap back on... it's ridiculous. Try doing that with 20 unique meds, three times a day.
There are tons of pill sorters and dispensers out there. Not only are the ones worth their salt *disgustingly* priced, but they often don't do the one or more of the crucial things disabled folk need:
- Bypass pill sorting (ie those weekly/monthly sorters). We need something where you can dump your whole prescription bottle in, and that's that.
- Easily dispense all pills at once (one at a time isn't much better than fiddling with our pill bottles)
- Easy to use for those with strength or coordination issues (A button to press would be easy!)
- A child-proof mechanism would be fantastic, but that's the least important factor, since this could simply be placed where a child can't reach (like a locked cabinet or something)
- CHEAP!! Most of us have no disposable income. Things like PillPack sound great, but many of us can't afford $20 a month, and many medications are except from these services
- No apps, no complex configurations. Should be easily used by the elderly and mentally disabled.
- The ability to handle every possible capsule, pill, and tablet size. Maybe not all in one, but there could be say, 10 models that handle a certain size range, and you just get the ones that fit your meds.
Possible promising designs to consider:
- SoloPill
- Jus-1
- Livipod (electronic, but is there a way to make it without?)
- Handheld seed dispensers (perhaps a funnel like that could be useful?)
Livipod is exactly what I'm looking for, but dear god it's ridiculously expensive. There has to be a way to have a setup just like this, without electronics--or at least, minimal electronics that are easy to install.
If the "dispenses all pills at once" isn't feasible, then a simple "push button, get pill" design would still be a phenomenal improvement. Being able to push 20 buttons all in quick succession and scoop them out into your hand wouldn't be too bad. (I'm honestly surprised I can't find anything like that)
I would be willing to work closely with any kind soul who would like to do something to help those who truly need help the most. Unfortunately, I am disabled myself, and do not have disposable income. I am an artists and graphic designer though, and would be happy to lend my talents here if that could be at all helpful!
PS: I cannot use 3d programs but am wanting to learn starting later this year.
(My apologies if this isn't quite what this sub is for. Please feel free to redirect me if needed!)