Blister Pack Pill Removal
Accessibility in Medication Packaging
The Problem
With an aging population, it is increasingly important to consider accessibility of medication. This also holds true for the sick and disabled communities. Frustratingly, those more likely to be prescribed medications are those more likely to struggle opening the packaging. Blister packs provide a child safe, pre organized system of delivering medicine. However, this type of packaging can be challenging to open. Opening a traditional blister pack requires finger dexterity, grip strength, wrist extension, and the use of two hands.
The Inspiration
Considering this issue of accessibility, it was my goal to create a system for opening blister packs that can be used with one hand and little to no hand dexterity. I also wanted to maintain the safety that blister packs provide with organized doses.
The Goal
It was my goal with this project to design a product that was accessible, but still maintained the safety features of blister packaging. Hopefully this is a direction that the medical packaging market can follow: to make products that are truly accessible to the people who need them.
Early Sketches
Here are all of my process sketches, numbered and dated. I started with a handheld device that would operate similar to nail clippers. However, this would require two hands, so I moved to a tabletop based design similar to a stapler or hole punch. I wanted to incorporate an organization system, so I implemented something similar to typical medicine or vitamin organizers.
Final Sketches
Seen here is my final design. It features adjustable pill sizing, a stable base with a track to guide containers in, a soft silicone tip, and a light spring to bring the arm back to its resting position. This device is fully injection moldable and easy to assemble.
Final Model
Below is an animation of my final model. First, an exploded view of the device demonstrating its relatively simple construction. Then, a demonstration of how the device works.
This device is very intuitive to use. First, use the slider to choose the correct size hole for the medication. Then, insert the medication container and align the blister pack with the extruder. Finally, just push down on the handle until the pill drops into the container. The container can then be removed and the next inserted.
