Dual-Container Suction Waste Collection With Independent Vacuum Control
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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, noisy smoke evacuation systems, and difficulties in servicing due to complex connectors and moving parts, which disrupt medical procedures and increase operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A waste collection and disposal system featuring stacked waste containers with independent vacuum control, quick-release connectors, noise-attenuating technology, and a retractable IV pole design, allowing for efficient waste management, precise volume estimation, and reduced noise levels during medical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single large waste container is used, then the storage capacity is increased, but the measurement precision of waste volume estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waste collection system is divided into multiple separate waste containers (first waste container and second waste container) instead of using a single large container. Each container can be independently monitored and emptied, allowing for better volume estimation in smaller containers while maintaining overall storage capacity through multiple units.
2Device complexity
If a single waste container is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to frequent trips to docking station
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple waste containers that can be independently filled and emptied. When one container becomes full, the system can switch to another container without requiring immediate emptying, allowing procedures to continue uninterrupted and reducing trips to the docking station.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple container system enables continuous waste collection during medical procedures. While one container is being used, another can be emptied or prepared, ensuring that waste collection operations continue without interruption and maintaining procedural productivity.
3Device complexity
If a single vacuum source is used for multiple suction lines, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates as different vacuum levels cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
Each suction line is equipped with its own vacuum regulator that can independently control the vacuum level for that specific line. This allows different vacuum pressures to be applied at different locations (suction lines) while using a single central vacuum source, providing local customization without requiring multiple vacuum sources.
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 system enables continuous operation without frequent emptying, provides accurate waste volume estimation, prevents water droplets from entering the vacuum source, and reduces noise, enhancing operational efficiency and patient care by minimizing disruptions during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source in selective communication with both of said first and second waste containers for providing a vacuum in both of said first and second waste containers simultaneously to draw the waste materials into said waste containers through the suction lines
Implementation Method 2
to draw the waste materials into said waste containers through the suction lines
Data Source
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AI summary
A waste collection unit for collecting waste material through a plurality of suction lines during a medical procedure is presented. The unit comprise a portable cart; a first waste container supported by said portable cart and adapted for connection to one of the suction lines to collect the waste material during the medical procedure; a second waste container supported by said portable cart and adapted for connection to another of the suction lines to collect the waste material during the medical procedure; a vacuum source in selective communication with both of said first and second waste containers for providing a vacuum in both of said first and second waste containers simultaneously to draw the waste materials into said waste containers through the suction lines; a first vacuum regulator in fluid communication with said vacuum source for regulating a vacuum level in said first waste container; and a second vacuum regulator in fluid communication with said vacuum source for regulating a vacuum level in said second waste container. A control system is in communication with said first and second vacuum regulators and adapted for simultaneously controlling said first and second vacuum regulators to control the vacuum levels in said first and second waste containers such that different vacuum levels can be established in said first and second waste containers.