Disposable Handle Wells for Medical Waste Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting and disposing of medical waste during surgical procedures are inadequate, as they do not effectively prevent the transmission of infectious diseases and do not account for the slippery nature of fluids and tissues, leading to reduced grip and potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
A handle with a plurality of deep open wells and a textured surface that collects medical waste from the user's hand or glove, facilitating adherence and reducing slippage, allowing for efficient disposal of both waste and handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If medical waste is collected on the user's hand or glove during surgical procedures, then the waste accumulates on the external surface, but this creates a slippery condition that reduces grip and increases accident risk
Solution Approach 1:
The handle surface is segmented into multiple deep open wells that are recessed below the outer contour. These wells divide the waste collection function into separate compartments, allowing waste to be captured internally rather than accumulating on the external gripping surface. This segmentation maintains grip security while providing adequate waste collection capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from two-dimensional surface accumulation to three-dimensional subsurface storage by creating wells that extend below the outer contour of the handle. This dimensional change allows waste to be stored within the handle structure rather than on its surface, eliminating the slippage hazard while maintaining collection capability.
2Quantity of substance
If a textured surface is added to the handle to facilitate waste adherence, then waste collection is improved, but the handle structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying a complex textured surface treatment, the handle is segmented into multiple geometric wells with defined walls and bases. This segmentation provides natural adherence surfaces through the well structures themselves, eliminating the need for additional texturing while maintaining waste collection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed as a disposable component with integrated well structures that are molded directly into the handle body. This eliminates the need for reusable textured surfaces that would require cleaning and sterilization, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective waste adherence through the geometric well design.
3Reliability
If the handle is designed with deep open wells to collect waste, then waste retention is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The handle can be manufactured using injection molding or similar processes that create thin-walled structures with integrated wells. The well structures are formed as part of the molding process itself, allowing complex geometries to be produced efficiently without additional manufacturing steps. This maintains waste retention while preserving ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle structure is segmented into modular well units that can be standardized in size and shape. This segmentation allows for efficient tooling and molding processes, where repeating geometric patterns can be created using standard manufacturing techniques, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving effective waste retention.
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 handle effectively captures and retains medical waste, preventing transmission of infectious materials and reducing the risk of accidents by maintaining a secure grip, while being disposable and not requiring sterilization for reuse.
Implementation Method 1
a rough surface on at least one wall, defined as being textured or rough enough to facilitate medical waste adherence to the texture
Data Source
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AI summary
Medical waste must be properly disposed of. Reusable instruments and tools must be properly cleaned and sterilized after usage if medical waste has been in contact with them. A welled handle disposable medical tool is contra-indicated for traditional instruments and tools. Herein is disclosed a welled handle device comprising a base with a front and back end having a predetermined silhouette or outer contour; a plurality of open wells formed in said base; and, a tool portion connected to the front end of said base.