Auxiliary Input Device for Sterile Infant Care Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clinicians face challenges in maintaining a sterile environment while adjusting infant care apparatus settings, as accessing non-sterile control equipment can introduce bacterial or viral contamination, and current systems require disinfection procedures each time input is needed.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary input device is placed within the microenvironment, allowing clinicians to interact with a graphical user interface without exposing themselves to non-sterile touch-sensitive displays, using a touch-sensitive track pad and button or image capture device to control cursor movements, enabling adjustments while maintaining sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If clinicians use non-sterile control equipment to adjust settings, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sterile adapter or sterile drape is introduced as an intermediary between the non-sterile control equipment and the sterile microenvironment. This allows clinicians to operate controls without directly contacting sterile surfaces, maintaining sterility while enabling easy adjustment of settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into sterile and non-sterile zones. The sterile zone contains only sterile components within the microenvironment, while non-sterile controls are placed outside. This segmentation allows clinicians to interact with non-sterile interfaces without compromising the sterile environment.
2Reliability
If clinicians perform disinfection procedures frequently, then the sterile environment is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sterile barriers, sterile adapters, or sterile drape systems are pre-prepared and positioned before clinical procedures begin. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for repeated disinfection procedures during patient care, saving time while maintaining sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-sterilizing features such as UV-C lighting or chemical vapor sterilization cycles that automatically maintain sterility without requiring manual disinfection by clinicians. This reduces both time loss and the need for repeated manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If touch-sensitive displays are placed outside the microenvironment, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sterile barrier or sterile adapter is placed between the touch-sensitive display and the microenvironment. This allows the display to remain accessible to clinicians outside the sterile field while preventing direct contact between non-sterile hands and sterile surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible sterile drape or film is used to cover the touch-sensitive display area that interfaces with the microenvironment. This thin film barrier maintains sterility while allowing touch input from non-sterile surfaces, enabling easy operation without contamination risk.
Data Source
AI summary
An infant care station includes a horizontal surface configured to support an infant patient wherein at least one wall extends generally vertically from the horizontal surface. The horizontal surface and at least one wall define a microenvironment. A processor operates a display mounted to the care station at a location external to the microenvironment to present a graphical user interface. An auxiliary input device is located within the microenvironment, is communicatively connected to the processor, and is configured for operation by a clinician to interact with the graphical user interface.