Retractable Sterile Work Platform for Dialysis Component Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dialysis machines often require operators to lay tubing and components on non-sterile or inadequately disinfected surfaces, breaking aseptic technique and increasing the risk of infections, particularly in home dialysis settings where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a sterilization device within the dialysis machine that sterilizes a retractable platform using UV light or disinfectant rollers, ensuring a sterile surface for component placement, combined with a sterile material dispenser and an information screen for operational guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operators lay tubing and components on non-sterile surfaces to manage supplies during dialysis treatment, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A retractable platform is introduced as an intermediary sterile surface between the non-sterile external environment and the sterile dialysis components. The platform can be extended to provide a work surface or retracted into the housing to maintain sterility, allowing operators to manage tubing and components without contaminating the sterile field.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterile work surface is extracted from the main housing as a separate retractable platform. This allows the sterile surface to be removed or retracted when not in use, preventing contamination of the housing interior while still providing a sterile workspace when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a retractable platform is integrated into the dialysis machine to provide sterile workspace, then contamination risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is merged with the housing structure, utilizing the housing walls as the platform boundaries. This integration eliminates the need for separate support structures and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining the sterile workspace functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform serves multiple functions: it provides a sterile work surface for component management, acts as a barrier to prevent contamination, and can be retracted to access the housing interior. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Reliability
If sterilization device is integrated within the dialysis machine to sterilize the platform, then reliability of sterile field is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization device is integrated within the housing and automatically sterilizes the platform when extended or before use. This self-service approach ensures the platform is sterilized without requiring separate manual sterilization procedures or additional external equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization function replaces manual sterilization processes. Instead of requiring operators to manually clean and sterilize the platform, an integrated UV or chemical sterilization system automatically performs the sterilization, ensuring consistent results and reducing operator burden.
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
Maintains aseptic technique by providing a sterile work surface, reducing contamination risks and enhancing safety during dialysis treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The sterilization device may include an ultraviolet (UV) light sterilization device that exposes the surface of the platform to UV light
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device, such as a dialysis machine, may have multiple features and components that must be checked and attached prior to a treatment, and operators often lay tubing and other components on a surface after removing them from packaging. The system described herein provides a sterile work platform that is integrated with the medical device. In an example, the platform may be moveably coupled to the medical device. In a first position, the platform is positioned within or against the medical device, and, in a second position, the platform is extended from the medical device and disposed in a horizontal position. After the platform is extended to the second position, a surface of the platform is sterile and suitable to maintain aseptic technique for tubing and components placed on the platform. An information screen may be integrated into the platform and that provides information to an operator.