Autonomous Medical Waste Collection Assembly for Self-Docking Disposal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical waste collection devices require hospital personnel to manually move and empty them, which is time-consuming and disrupts medical procedures.

Innovation Solution

An autonomous medical waste collection assembly that navigates to a docking station to autonomously off-load and dispose of medical waste, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual waste collection devices are used, then waste can be collected during medical procedures, but hospital personnel must suspend duties to move and empty the devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste collection efficiencyVSAvoidtime for personnel to move and empty devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic device autonomously navigates to the disposal station, docks, and completes the emptying and cleaning cycle without human intervention. The system self-manages the waste disposal process by autonomously moving itself to the disposal station and executing the emptying sequence, thereby eliminating the need for hospital personnel to suspend their duties for waste collection tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system separates the waste collection function from the waste disposal function. The robotic device collects waste during medical procedures and then autonomously transports it to a centralized disposal station for emptying and cleaning, dividing the overall waste management process into distinct autonomous and centralized components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If manual waste collection devices are used, then waste can be collected during medical procedures, but personnel must move the device back to the operating room

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste collection efficiencyVSAvoidoperational simplicity for personnel

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic device serves as an intermediary between the operating room and the disposal station. It collects waste at the source, transports it autonomously to the disposal station, and returns ready for reuse, acting as a mediator that eliminates the need for personnel to physically transport the device between locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If medical waste collection devices require battery power, then the device can operate autonomously, but it must be charged requiring additional time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operation capabilityVSAvoidtime for charging the device

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The disposal station integrates multiple functions including waste reception, emptying, cleaning, and battery charging into a single centralized unit. When the robotic device docks at the disposal station, it simultaneously completes the waste emptying cycle and recharges its battery, combining previously separate operations into one efficient process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs battery recharging during the disposal cycle at the centralized station, preparing the device for future use before it is needed again. This preliminary charging action ensures the device is ready for autonomous operation without requiring separate charging interruptions during medical procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The autonomous system efficiently collects and disposes of medical waste, reducing the workload for hospital personnel and minimizing disruptions during medical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The suction pump is in fluid communication with the canister and configured to draw a suction on the canister

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS20250152798A1Autonomous Waste Collection Assembly and Medical Waste Collection System and Methods

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

An autonomous medical waste collection assembly. A base supports a waste canister in fluid communication with a manifold receiver, and a suction pump. A controller is in electronic communication with a powered wheel and configured to transmit a movement signal for a motor to power the powered wheel to move the assembly along a floor surface. The assembly may be operable in an autonomous mode in which the powered wheel automatically moves the assembly along the floor surface, and a manual mode in which resistance from the powered wheel is negated to provide for manual movement of the assembly. The controller may be further configured to steer the assembly based on a current location input signal, and a disposal location input signal from a locator network within the medical facility that is indicative of a location of a disposal station.