Carpule Warmer with Segmented Bins for Independent Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vial or ampule warmers and dispensers often fail to separately and independently store and warm vials with different contents, leading to confusion and inefficiency in maintaining optimal temperatures for medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising bins with vertically oriented ramps and manually operated dispensing trays that allow elongated cylindrical vials to be stored, warmed, and individually dispensed, with adjustable temperature control and a heating element to maintain chosen temperatures, minimizing the likelihood of content confusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple vials with different contents are stored together in a single warmer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to confusion and inability to maintain different temperatures for different contents
Solution Approach 1:
The warmer is divided into multiple separate bins, each capable of independently storing and maintaining different temperatures for vials with different contents. This segmentation allows each bin to function as an independent storage unit, eliminating confusion while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
2Use of energy by moving object
If vials are stored at room temperature, then energy consumption is reduced, but the quality of service deteriorates due to thermal shock and patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
Different bins within the warmer can be maintained at different temperatures according to the specific requirements of each vial type. This local quality approach ensures that each vial receives the optimal temperature treatment it requires, improving patient comfort and eliminating thermal shock while energy is only consumed where needed for temperature maintenance.
3Reliability
If multiple bins are added to store different vial contents separately, then the reliability improves by preventing confusion, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each bin is designed with universal functionality to store, warm, and dispense vials independently. The bins share common design features and control mechanisms, allowing them to perform multiple functions (storage, temperature control, dispensing) within a unified system. This multi-functionality approach improves reliability through separate storage while keeping device complexity manageable through standardized designs.
4Productivity
If a manual dispensing mechanism is added to individually dispense vials, then the productivity improves by reducing errors and improving efficiency, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the user, eliminating the need for complex automated dispensing systems. Each bin allows for simple manual retrieval and dispensing of vials, improving productivity by reducing errors and enhancing user control while avoiding the addition of complex automated mechanisms.
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 solution enables efficient storage, warming, and dispensing of vials with different contents at selected temperatures, reducing the risk of thermal shock and improving procedural efficiency by minimizing clutter and error.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating element disposed on the outside of the ramp for maintaining the at least one bin at a chosen temperature
Implementation Method 2
the ramp has holes therein for permitting heat to pass therethrough
Implementation Method 3
through which the vials slide or roll due to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for storing, warming and manually individually dispensing elongated cylindrical vials having different contents, while minimizing error and clutter, is described. Vials are stored in bins, which have manually operated dispensing members. Each bin may be separately heated using small incandescent bulbs or other heating elements. Adjustable temperature sensors may be placed in each bin to permit separate temperature control, and provide a high-temperature cutoff. One embodiment of the apparatus may be wall mounted to relieve congestion on horizontal surfaces. Another embodiment is suitable for table use, and has a reduced profile for clutter reduction.