Docking Alignment for Mobile Surgical Waste Collection Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste collection and disposal systems in healthcare facilities face challenges such as the need for frequent emptying of waste containers, inaccurate volume estimation, susceptibility to water droplets entering the vacuum source, difficulty in servicing vacuum lines, noise from smoke evacuation systems, and accessibility issues for medical personnel of smaller stature.
Innovation Solution
A waste collection unit with stacked containers allowing for transfer of waste between them without moving the unit, independent vacuum regulation for varying suction levels, quick-release connectors, a noise-reduced smoke evacuation system, and a retractable IV pole to improve accessibility and reduce noise and visual unsightliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single large waste container is used, then the container can store more waste material (15 liters or more), but it becomes difficult to obtain a precise visual estimate of the quantity of removed material
Solution Approach 1:
The waste collection system is divided into multiple separate waste containers (first waste container, second waste container) instead of using a single large container. This segmentation allows for better visual estimation in each smaller container while maintaining overall large storage capacity through the transfer valve mechanism that enables waste to be moved between containers.
2Measurement precision
If a small waste container is used, then the visual estimate of removed material becomes more precise, but the container fills more quickly requiring frequent interruptions to empty it
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple waste containers allow the system to maintain small container sizes for good visual estimation while providing backup capacity. When one container fills, the system can switch to another container without interrupting the procedure, thus maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares multiple empty waste containers in advance, so when one container becomes full, another empty container is already available to receive waste material, allowing continuous operation without procedure interruption.
3Ease of operation
If the waste collection unit must be wheeled to the docking station to empty the container before each procedure, then the container is empty for the next procedure, but this continuous back-and-forth movement is time-consuming and annoying
Solution Approach 1:
The waste collection system is segmented into multiple removable waste containers that can be independently emptied or replaced. This allows the main waste collection unit to remain in the procedure area while individual containers are swapped or emptied, eliminating the need to transport the entire unit to the docking station.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for quick replacement of full waste containers with empty ones, or rapid emptying of containers into portable receptacles, enabling the waste collection unit to be quickly reset without returning to the docking station between procedures.
4Device complexity
If a single vacuum source is used for multiple suction lines, then the system is simpler, but all suction lines operate under the same vacuum pressure which is insufficient for advanced medical procedures requiring different vacuum levels
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is segmented into multiple independent vacuum sources, with each suction line having its own vacuum source and control mechanism. This allows each suction line to operate at different vacuum levels independently, providing the versatility needed for advanced medical procedures while maintaining relatively simple individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system is made dynamic by allowing independent adjustment of vacuum levels for each suction line. Each vacuum source can be independently controlled to provide varying vacuum pressures as needed during different stages or aspects of a medical procedure, rather than being fixed at a single pressure level.
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
Reduces the frequency of moving the waste collection unit, enhances volume estimation accuracy, prevents water droplets from entering the vacuum source, simplifies servicing, minimizes noise, and improves accessibility and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source adapted for providing a vacuum to the at least one waste container to draw the waste material through the suction line into the waste container
Implementation Method 2
waste material is drawn through the suction lines into the waste container
Data Source
AI summary
A waste collection and disposal system for use in health care facilities is provided. The system includes a mobile waste collection unit for moving between use areas in the health care facility to collect waste material generated during medical procedures including body fluids, body tissues, saline, etc. The waste collection unit includes stacked upper and lower waste containers for receiving the waste material. During use, the upper waste container can be emptied into the lower waste container for temporary storage. In addition, different vacuum levels can be provided in the waste containers during complex procedures. Once a user desires to empty the waste collection unit, the waste collection unit is wheeled to a docking station. At the docking station, the waste material is off-loaded to a waste drain and the waste collection unit is cleaned and rinsed for further use.