Fluid Containers into Vacuum Canisters for Medical Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical waste collection systems face challenges such as contamination of the environment due to disposable containers, high labor costs for reprocessing and recycling, and inefficiencies in supply chain management, particularly in handling and disposal of surgical waste under high vacuum pressures.
Innovation Solution
Converting fluid delivery containers into waste collection and disposal systems using blow molding and blow fill seal manufacturing processes, which integrate into suction vacuum systems to manage waste efficiently and reduce plastic waste, labor, and inventory costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable collection canisters and canister liners are used, then contamination of the environment is reduced through single-use disposal, but plastic waste is contributed to the medical waste stream which is undesirable for the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of collection canisters through an automated reprocessing system that cleans, sterilizes, and redistributes containers. This transforms a disposable model into a circular economy approach where containers are discarded after use but then recovered and reused multiple times, eliminating both environmental contamination and plastic waste accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs automated self-service mechanisms where the reprocessing facility automatically cleans, sterilizes, and inspects returned canisters without manual intervention. This self-service capability enables efficient high-volume reprocessing while reducing labor costs and improving consistency in the reuse process.
2Loss of substance
If collection devices are recleaned or reprocessed or recycled and or sterilized for reuse, then plastic waste is reduced, but costly labor and additional labor costs for sorting, containing, transporting, and handling of contaminated medical waste containers are added
Solution Approach 1:
The automated reprocessing facility performs all cleaning, sterilization, and inspection operations automatically without manual labor. The system self-manages the entire reprocessing workflow including container intake, washing, sterilization, quality inspection, and redistribution, eliminating the need for human workers in hazardous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated mechanical and robotic systems. The reprocessing facility uses automated conveyors, robotic manipulators, and computer-controlled sterilization equipment to handle containers, substituting human labor with automated machinery that operates more efficiently and safely.
3Productivity
If collection devices are reused multiple times on multiple patients without cleaning, then labor costs are reduced, but cross-contamination between patients occurs which compromises patient safety
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a mandatory recovery and reprocessing cycle between patient uses. Each container is automatically cleaned and sterilized after use on one patient before being made available for use on the next patient, ensuring complete elimination of cross-contamination while maintaining efficient reuse of containers.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual cleaning and sterilization processes are replaced with automated mechanical cleaning systems and controlled sterilization chambers that guarantee complete decontamination. The automated system ensures consistent application of sterilization protocols without human error or variation.
4Loss of substance
If thin-walled fluid delivery containers are used for waste collection, then manufacturing costs and plastic waste are reduced, but the containers lack structural strength to withstand high vacuum pressures up to negative minus 1 atmospheres
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the flexibility of thin-walled containers as a functional feature rather than a limitation. The flexible container walls allow for controlled deformation under vacuum pressure while maintaining structural integrity, and the flexibility aids in the automated manipulation and positioning of containers during the reprocessing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs counterbalancing support structures and distributed vacuum application that prevent localized stress concentration on thin container walls. By distributing the vacuum load across multiple support points and using gradual pressure equalization, the system enables thin-walled containers to withstand high vacuum pressures without collapsing.
Data Source
AI summary
This patent application teaches methods and apparatus of an efficient disposal chain system which includes a process of receiving fluid enclosing containers, transforming said containers into collection containers by integrating said containers into vacuum canister collection systems. Such a collection system includes a remote vacuum source configured to draw a vacuum force away from said container and towards said container. Such a vacuum source is configured to draw room air. Such a force is configured to draw waste materials along a path towards said collection container. A transformation of said containers includes deriving said containers from supply chains and transforming said containers into said collection systems at least in part by supporting said containers inside said canisters from below utilizing various configurations of measurement stands, said stands configured to support and accommodate various sizes, types and shapes of said containers.