See traceability matrix for preliminary design inputs.
Problem
A way for pill-medication users to improve accurate medication compliance in order to reduce accidental missed or repeated doses.
Principle Needs
- To be cost effective
- To be customizable to various medication dosages/frequencies
- To be physically easy to use, including for people of limited dexterity
- To clearly indicate whether a medication has been taken, including for people with poor vision and hearing
- To maintain integrity of medication
1. Functional Inputs
| 1 | Clearly indicate whether a medication has been taken – Output is visible for a user with 20/40 vision from 3m away and audible for a person who is hard of hearing without being dangerously loud (70 decibals). |
| 2 | Easy to use for users with limited dexterity. – Cap opens without significant force (<40N). Only requires one hand to operate. Ergonomically designed for 90% of users. |
| 3 | Cost-effective for user – <$30 per device. |
| 4 | Portable – Light material (<2lb) non-bulky design fitting 20 dram bottles (diameter 1.72 inches, visible height of 3 inches). |
| 5 | Customizable to different medication frequencies/doses – Compatible for >95% of users’ medication schedules (1x, 2x, 3x, etc. per day or up to x doses per day). |
| 6 | Accuracy in telling if pill has been taken – Accurate 95% of the time |
| 7 | Easy to use for users with limited mental capacity – Instructions interpretable at a 7th grade reading level |
| 8 | Instructions are easy to read – Labels are highly visible with black text on light backgrounds, standard font, and large font size |
2. Performance Inputs
| 1 | Device withstands mechanical damage (i.e. from carrying in a backpack) – Can absorb 1,000 newtons of impact before deforming or breaking. |
| 2 | Device can be cleaned in between medication refills – Can be sterilized with UV light without damage to sensor. |
3. Biocompatability Inputs
| 1 | Device material does not interact with medication – Made of 100% polypropylene. |
| 2 | Device material protects integrity of medication – Material blocks rays 10-400nm |
4. Regulatory Inputs
| 1 | Meets class 1 device regulations |
5. Interface Inputs
| 1 | Communicates with a mobile app to receive dosage and frequency input from user (potentially) – Connection is successful 99% of the time. Compatible wiith iPhone and Android devices. Possibly through bluetooth. |
| 2 | Arduino compatible – C++ programmed. |