Med-E-Lert Pill Tipper

thingiverse

A loved one needs assistance managing medication regimens, making the difference between staying at home versus assisted living scenarios. To address this concern, we purchased a Med-E-Lert automatic pill dispenser and alarm system. The device opens pills at designated times, requiring users to tip it to release the medication while silencing the alarm in the process. The company offers a metal base for the device, allowing for easy tipping without manual handling, although they charge $130.00 USD for this accessory. Determined to learn more about OpenSCAD, I decided to design and 3D print my own pill dispenser cradle instead of purchasing one. All necessary components are included in the design, enabling users to create either left-handed or right-handed models by printing the corresponding cradles. This custom solution saved me approximately $127.50 compared to buying the commercial product. To accommodate varying tolerances, I designed two different end cap sizes for the cradle, spaced 0.2mm apart on the inner hole. Users should select the size that fits best and may also consider applying a small amount of super glue for added security. As an additional learning experience, I created an OpenSCAD model of the Med-E-Lert device itself, which can be viewed and manipulated in the customizer for display purposes only. This project allowed me to experiment with modules and contributed to my understanding of this 3D modeling software. My goal is to assist others who may be facing similar challenges and help them save money by creating their own pill dispenser cradles.