Customer Requirements
The customer, or in this project the device sponsor, Dr. Jim Browning of Boise State University, gave the Senior Design team a list of functions he requested be incorporated into the design of the Pill Box.
- No secured pills
- No requirement of the user to tilt the device to access their pills
- No requirement of the user to retrieve their pills from a small compartment
- Pills to be given in a cup
- 28 Pill taking times
- Programmable morning, noon, afternoon and even dosages
- Large text screen
- Large buttons for programming
- Programming on off switch
- No in depth programming menus
- Retrievable user activity
- Alert to remind user of proper pill taking times
- Alert to discourage user of improper pill taking times
- Audio alert
- Visual alert
- Light weight
- Small enough for easy travel
- Battery power (2+ hours)
- Wall plug-in power
- Well under 1000$ to manufacture
Device Specifications
Based on those requests and various analysis of feasible device objectives, the following engineering specifications were used in the device design and final product.
Specifications/Engineering Requirements | Need/ Want | Constraints/ Variables | Justification |
Power Cord uses a standard 120V/15A standard us outlet | Need | Constraint | Readily available outlet type. Also easily attached to a travel power adapter. |
Battery Life > 4 hrs. | Want | Variable | Allows device to function on short trips away from home. |
No in-depth menus
Entering dosage schedule < 5 minutes
Device training < 30 minutes | Need | Variable | Enables short training times and reduced confusion in the proper utilization of the device. |
Programmable option for early dosage up to an hour | Need | Variable | Grants a flexible dosage schedule for busy days. |
Cost less than $700 to produce. | Need | Variable | Keeps device within reasonable budget for future manufacturing opportunities. |
Pills are in a cup | Need | Variable | Requires minimum dexterity requirements by the patient. |
Pill containment requires less than 4 lbs. of force to access outside of scheduled times | Need | Variable | Reduces chances of lawsuits. If the power goes out, the user will still be able to access their pills. |
Pills would be contained if device is subjected to 3 lbs. of force | Need | Variable | Allows for jostling during travel without the concern of spilled pills Enables device to hold enough pills for 4 dosages a day for 7 days |
4 adjustable pill taking times | Need | Variable | Allows for adjustability in scheduled reminder times |
Visual Indicator: 1000 mcd. light output
Audio Alarm System: 80 dB | Need | Variable | Ensures the patient is made aware that it is time for their dosage. The alarm will be easily seen checking to take pills. 80 dB was chosen to ensure that a hearing impaired patient might be able to hear a reminder. 80 dB is the equivalent to an alarm clock 2 ft. away. |
Data Storage for at least 512 Mb Transferable Data | Want | Variable | Allows the caregiver to view pill-taking patterns of the patient. Gives enough space for more than 2 weeks of action logs. |
Programming On/Off Option | Want | Variable | Prevents patient from accidently re-programming the device. |
Fits within a traveling bag
Lightweight < 10 lbs. | Want | Variable | Allows for easy device transportation |
Thus, the primary goals used within the project to define success were as follows:
Limited user and caregiver training required
Quick pill loading procedure
Sturdy and durable device
Limited maintenance required