IV Pole With Rotating Power Ring and UV-C Infection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard IV poles are difficult to clean, prone to collapsing under the weight of IV fluids, and their fixed power receptacles create a tripping hazard and tethering effect, contributing to hospital-acquired infections due to their complex and non-linear surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An IV pole system with one-hand adjustable ring supports, a versatile electrical system, a base with minimal surface area and protected casters, and an onboard UV-C LED light system for infection control, including a rechargeable battery for wireless charging and a design that minimizes contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard IV poles use telescopic design with tension screw or friction ring for adjustment, then the pole can be adjusted in height, but the adjustment requires two hands and the system fails to hold position reliably after service use
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic pole is divided into multiple sections with individual locking mechanisms. Each section can be independently adjusted and locked using a single-hand operated lever or button, eliminating the need for two-handed tension screw adjustment while maintaining reliable position holding through positive mechanical locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism transitions from static tension-based holding to dynamic lever-operated locking. The lever provides mechanical advantage for easy one-handed operation while engaging positive stops that reliably maintain the selected height position throughout use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard IV poles have multiple non-linear surface areas for support and adjustment, then the pole provides functional versatility, but the surfaces are difficult to clean and contribute to hospital acquired infections
Solution Approach 1:
The pole surfaces are designed with smooth curved transitions instead of sharp angles and non-linear surfaces. The rounded contours eliminate crevices where pathogens can accumulate, making the pole easily cleanable while maintaining all necessary functional surfaces for support and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pole incorporates color-coded indicators and markings that remain visible after cleaning, allowing functional verification without requiring complex surface features. The smooth surfaces with minimal texture ensure complete cleaning while maintaining visual functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If IV pole power strips are used for multiple devices in the operating room, then power distribution is provided, but the fixed receptacle position causes tethering effect and tripping hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The IV pole integrates multiple electrical receptacles at various heights and orientations, allowing different devices to be plugged in without requiring the pole to be repositioned. This universal power distribution eliminates the need for multiple fixed power strips and associated tripping hazards while maintaining positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The power receptacles are arranged in three-dimensional space around the pole, providing power access from multiple directions and heights. This spatial distribution of receptacles eliminates the tethering effect by allowing devices to be positioned optimally without being constrained by fixed power outlet locations.
4Ease of operation
If standard IV poles use tension based system for telescoping adjustment, then the pole can be adjusted, but the system collapses under weight of hanging IV fluids causing injury
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic pole is segmented into multiple locked sections, each capable of independently supporting load. The distribution of locking points along the pole length prevents collapse by providing multiple support points that share the weight of hanging IV fluids, eliminating the single-point failure risk of tension-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment system transitions from passive tension-based holding to active mechanical locking with lever operation. The locked sections provide rigid support that maintains strength under full load, preventing the collapse that occurs when tension systems fail under the weight of IV fluids.
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 IV pole system enhances safety and infection control by allowing easy adjustment and cleaning, reducing tripping hazards, and effectively reducing pathogen transmission through its UV-C LED system, while providing flexible power distribution and mobility.
Implementation Method 1
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI)...an onboard UV-C LED light system for infection control
Data Source
AI summary
An intravenous pole with individually adjustable ring support members, a freely rotating slip ring with a plurality of electrical plug receptacles, an ultraviolet radiation source, and a wireless recharging system.