IV Pole Disinfecting Cap Dispenser With Child-Resistant Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion therapy procedures often lead to catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), and existing medical devices for disinfecting caps are not adequately designed to prevent accidental ingestion by patients, particularly children, while ensuring convenient access for healthcare workers.
Innovation Solution
A medical device dispenser system that securely dispenses disinfecting caps, featuring a hopper with a lockable lid, rotatable lid, and a dispensing mechanism that can be coupled to an IV pole, with safety features to prevent unauthorized access and accidental ingestion, including a catch tray and child-proof locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If disinfecting caps are made easily accessible to patients, then convenience for healthcare workers is improved, but risk of accidental ingestion by patients increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is segmented into controlled access components: a locked hopper container, a controlled dispensing mechanism, and a catch tray. This segmentation allows the caps to be stored securely while providing controlled access, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the stored caps and the user. It provides controlled access through mechanisms like key locks or code entry, allowing healthcare workers to access caps conveniently while preventing patient access. The catch tray serves as another intermediary to catch dispensed caps and prevent direct access.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If lockable mechanisms are added to prevent unauthorized access, then safety against accidental ingestion is improved, but ease of operation for healthcare workers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing mechanism is designed to be self-service for authorized users. Healthcare workers can access caps independently using keys, codes, or other authentication methods without requiring assistance from other staff, maintaining convenience while ensuring security.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional complex mechanical locking systems are replaced with simpler access mechanisms such as key locks, combination codes, or electronic authentication. These substitutions maintain security while significantly improving ease of operation for authorized healthcare workers.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a dispensing mechanism with safety features is implemented, then prevention of accidental ingestion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple safety functions are merged into a single integrated dispensing mechanism: the locking system, the dispensing control, and the catch tray are combined into one unit. This integration provides comprehensive safety while minimizing the number of separate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to reduce complexity. A single mechanism performs multiple functions: secure storage, controlled access, dispensing control, and catch tray operation. This universal design achieves safety goals without requiring multiple separate complex systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical device dispensers along with related systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments dispenses within the scope of this disclosure may be configured to couple another structure such as an IV pole. Additionally, dispensers within the scope of this disclosure may be configured with locking or otherwise tamper resistant elements.