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Parametric Pill Wheel

my take on the circular pill organizers. I wanted one that used magnets, m3 hardware for the pivot, and was parametric
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updated March 16, 2023

Description

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I'm going on a 2-week vacation soon, and I wanted to avoid having to pack a bunch of pill bottles.  So, I made these.  They're pretty much like the other weekly pill organizers on here, but I wanted to use m3 hardware for the pivot, to use the 6x3mm magnets I already had, and be parametric/configurable.  I uploaded the STLs for the 3 versions I wanted, but if you ask nicely, I can probably upload some others.

Assembly

Assembly is fairly obvious.  The only thing to keep in mind is that you need to make sure the polarity of the magnets are aligned, WHEN THE LID IS ON THE WHEEL!. I made that mistake once and had to destroy a lid to get the magnets out. I found that I could get the magnets to stay w/ only friction, but a drop of superglue should help if that isn't the case for you. Optionally, you can put 2 m5 shims between the lid and wheel to act as a bearing. It works fine w/o it though. However, if you use them, you should glue them in.

Parameters

If you wish to configure it yourself, the OnShape document is here. Edit the variable studio as needed.  in addition to the overall diameter and height, you can also configure the number of bins.  I did this because I also wanted to take a some things like ibuprofen, etc., but again, didn't want to take all the full pill bottles.  But it ended up that 6 bins were desired, and I added 1 just in case.  

Notes

I later discovered that a loader would make things easier, so I designed a fancy little funnel. This works best when you use the standard lid with a SHCS, so the loader has a central point to index upon.  Otherwise, when you twist it, it tends to wander.  

Using The Loader

  1. Place the loader on top. I prefer to align the blocked off section with the lid's opening
  2. Place the pills in the bins
  3. Grip the bottom of the container with one hand.
  4. Twist the lid with the opposite hand.
  5. Twist the loader using the same hand you used for the lid. The pills from one loader section should fall into the bin.  
  6. repeat steps 4 and 5 until you're done.

For step 3, I think your non-dominant hand makes the most sense.  I'm right-handed, so I chose to use my left.  When twisting the lid in step 4, the loader should come along with the lid. It doesn't matter which direction you twist.  Clockwise was the most natural feeling to me. In step 5, it doesn't matter which direction you turn the loader, you just need to only turn that direction when turning it.  Nor does it have to be the same direction as the lid. It'll work either way.  Counter-Clockwise felt the most natural to me here.

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The author marked this model as their own original creation.

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