Embalming Machine Reservoir Port and Hydrophobic Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embalming machines require inefficient maintenance processes between each embalming procedure, necessitating a more efficient system to ready the machine for the next cadaver.
Innovation Solution
The embalming machine incorporates a reservoir with a tube extending from the lower to the upper portion, a port for dispensing fluid into the reservoir to flow in a centrifugal motion, and a hydrophobic surface for easy cleaning. It also features selectable settings for clean and mix modes, allowing for defined pressure and flow rate control, and an access hatch for adding fluids without removing the reservoir lid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional maintenance processes are used between embalming procedures, then the machine can be cleaned, but the maintenance time is excessive and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically flushing the reservoir with cleaning solution before the embalming process begins, and automatically mixing fluids during idle periods. This preliminary maintenance action eliminates the need for lengthy manual cleaning between procedures, reducing maintenance time from minutes to seconds while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir system is designed to be self-maintaining through automated flushing and mixing capabilities. The pump system automatically circulates cleaning solution through the reservoir, and the mixing system automatically agitates fluids during idle periods, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing maintenance time and improving efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the reservoir lid is removed to add fluids, then access is easy, but the system becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The access hatch is nested within the reservoir lid structure, allowing fluid addition through a small opening in the lid without removing it. This nested design maintains the sealed reservoir system while providing convenient access, eliminating the need to open or remove the lid, and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The access hatch acts as an intermediary element between the user and the reservoir interior. It provides a controlled opening that allows fluid addition while maintaining the integrity of the reservoir lid and sealing system, simplifying the operation by eliminating the need to remove the lid entirely.
3Productivity
If fluids are mixed manually, then the process is simple, but the mixing efficiency and homogeneity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing system uses mechanical agitation through a rotating impeller or stirring mechanism that creates turbulence and vortex flow in the reservoir. This mechanical vibration and motion rapidly homogenize the embalming fluids, achieving complete mixing in seconds compared to manual stirring, significantly improving productivity while the automated mechanism keeps operational complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic principles by circulating cleaning solution and embalming fluid through the reservoir using a pump system. The pressurized fluid flow creates effective mixing and cleaning action, achieving high mixing efficiency through hydraulic forces rather than mechanical contact, maintaining simplicity in operation.
4Reliability
If the reservoir is cleaned manually between procedures, then cleaning can be performed, but the downtime between procedures is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning by automatically flushing the reservoir with disinfectant solution at the end of each procedure and before the next procedure begins. This preliminary cleaning action ensures the machine is ready for immediate use, eliminating the need for extended manual cleaning periods and reducing downtime while maintaining high reliability and sanitation standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system operates continuously or periodically to maintain the reservoir in a clean state throughout operation. Rather than performing discrete manual cleaning cycles that cause downtime, the automated system maintains continuous sanitation, ensuring machine readiness without interruption to the workflow and minimizing downtime between procedures.
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
This design promotes efficient cleaning and mixing of fluids, reducing maintenance time and ensuring the embalming machine is ready for the next use with minimal downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The port may be positioned to dispense fluid into the interior of the reservoir to flow in a generally centrifugal motion around the interior of the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
At least a portion of the interior of the reservoir may include a hydrophobic surface
Data Source
AI summary
An embalming machine for mixing of fluids and cleaning of a reservoir may include a reservoir. The embalming machine may include a tube extending from a lower portion to an upper portion of the reservoir, the tube providing a pathway for fluid to travel to the reservoir. The embalming machine may include a port connected to an end of the tube adjacent to the upper portion of the reservoir, the port being configured to dispense the fluid traveling through the tube and into an interior of the reservoir.