Dual Waste Containers With Independent Vacuum for Surgical Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste collection and disposal systems in healthcare facilities face issues such as the need for frequent docking of waste collection units, inadequate volume estimation, susceptibility to water droplets entering the vacuum source, difficulty in servicing vacuum lines, and noise from smoke evacuation systems, which disrupt medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A waste collection unit with independently controlled vacuum levels, a filter and float assembly to prevent water entry, quick-release connectors for easy servicing, a fluid measuring system for precise volume estimation, and a noise-attenuated smoke evacuation system that adjusts blower speed based on smoke levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single waste container is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to frequent trips to the docking station
Solution Approach 1:
The waste collection system is divided into multiple independent containers (first waste container and second waste container) that can be selectively connected to the vacuum source. This allows one container to be used while another is emptied or serviced, eliminating the need to interrupt procedures for container emptying and maintaining continuous productivity.
2Device complexity
If a single vacuum source is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability decreases when different vacuum levels are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is segmented into multiple independent vacuum sources (first vacuum source and second vacuum source), each capable of providing vacuum to different containers. This segmentation allows different vacuum levels to be applied simultaneously to different surgical sites, enhancing adaptability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system incorporates dynamic control capabilities where vacuum levels can be adjusted independently for different sources and containers. The system can switch between different vacuum configurations based on procedural needs, providing dynamic adaptability to varying surgical requirements.
3Productivity
If a large waste container is used, then the productivity is improved by reducing emptying frequency, but the measurement precision of waste volume decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The waste collection capacity is segmented across multiple containers rather than using one large container. This allows the system to maintain large total capacity for reduced emptying frequency while each individual container remains small enough for accurate visual volume estimation. The segmented approach resolves the contradiction between productivity and measurement precision.
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 docking, provides accurate volume estimation, prevents contamination, simplifies maintenance, and minimizes noise disruptions during medical procedures, enhancing operational efficiency and patient care.
Implementation Method 1
the waste material is collected in a waste container connected to a vacuum source... When the vacuum source is operating, the waste material is drawn through the suction lines into the waste container
Implementation Method 2
a filter and float assembly to prevent water entry
Data Source
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AI summary
A waste collection and disposal system (100) for use in health care facilities is provided. The system (100) includes a mobile waste collection unit (102) 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 (102) includes stacked upper (200) and lower (202) waste containers for receiving the waste material. During use, the upper waste container (200) can be emptied into the lower waste container (202) for temporary storage. In addition, independently controlled vacuum levels can be provided in the waste containers (200, 202) during complex procedures. Once a user desires to empty the waste collection unit (102), the waste collection unit (102) is wheeled to a docking station (104). At the docking station (104), the waste material is off-loaded to a waste drain (D) and the waste collection unit (102) is cleaned and rinsed for further use.