Disposable commode receptacle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable commode buckets in healthcare settings pose significant risks of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) due to inadequate sterilization, leading to the spread of pathogens like C. diff and MRSA, and cause discomfort and burden for care staff, while also resulting in plumbing issues and staff turnover.
Innovation Solution
A disposable commode receptacle with an annular body and inside-out bag friction fit design, optimized for use in hospitals and nursing homes, which reduces the risk of infection and improves staff satisfaction by eliminating the need for sterilization and minimizing splashback contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reusable buckets are used in commode systems, then device complexity is reduced and can be reused, but sterilization effectiveness is insufficient leading to healthcare-associated infections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable commode receptacles that are used once and then discarded, eliminating the need for repeated sterilization cycles. Each receptacle is sterile upon opening and maintains sterility throughout its single use, preventing healthcare-associated infections while avoiding the complexity and time requirements of sterilization infrastructure.
2Productivity
If reusable buckets are implemented, then initial cost is reduced, but labor time for sterilization and cleaning increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable receptacles eliminate entire sterilization workflows including 5-minute bleach scrubs, rinsing, and drying procedures. Care staff simply remove the receptacle from the commode and discard it in regular trash, reducing time spent on sterilization tasks and allowing staff to focus on patient care activities.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If reusable buckets are used, then environmental waste is reduced, but risk of disease transmission during handling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single-use receptacles are sterile when opened and maintain sterility throughout use, eliminating cross-contamination between patients. The receptacles are designed with features that minimize splashback during use, and since they are discarded after one use, there is no risk of disease transmission during subsequent handling or sterilization processes.
4Reliability
If sterilization procedures are performed on reusable buckets, then infection risk is reduced, but staff exposure to contaminants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable receptacles are sterile upon opening and are discarded after single use in regular trash containers, eliminating the need for care staff to handle contaminated items during sterilization processes. This removes staff from exposure to aerosolized pathogens and splashback risks associated with bleach scrubs and other sterilization methods.
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
Significantly reduces HAIs, improves care staff job satisfaction, and justifies product costs through labor and plumbing maintenance savings, while ensuring secure containment of waste without clogging pipes.
Implementation Method 1
an inside-out bag friction fit to the annular body
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable commode receptacle comprises an annular body comprising a top opening with a first diameter and a bottom opening with a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a wall extending between the top opening and bottom opening and having an inside surface and an outside surface, the outside surface comprising ribs. The disposable commode receptacle may also include an inside-out bag which is friction fit to the annular body.