IV Pole Utility Holder for Stable, Cleanable Medical Item Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing makeshift devices for holding articles like pacemakers, ether screens, and transesophageal echo probes on IV poles are unstable, expose the pacemaker to contaminants, and are not reusable or cleanable, failing to provide secure and safe positioning.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose utility holder with a C-shaped open collar and connecting arm for IV poles, allowing secure and stable attachment of various medical devices, positioning pacemakers behind the ether screen for protection, and being cleanable and reusable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If makeshift devices like simple clips or bent stylets are used to hold articles on IV poles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and stability of holding articles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into distinct functional segments: an IV bag holder portion with a first collar for securing IV bags, and a second collar for holding other medical articles. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed as a multipurpose device that can simultaneously hold IV bags, pacemakers, ether screens, transesophageal echo probes, and other medical articles on a single IV pole, eliminating the need for multiple separate holding devices.
2Ease of operation
If articles like pacemakers are held above the ether screen, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors increase due to exposure to blood and contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The holder positions articles in a different spatial dimension - behind the ether screen rather than above it. The second collar is specifically designed to hold pacemakers and other articles in a position that is shielded by the ether screen, creating a protective barrier between the articles and the surgical field contaminants.
3Ease of manufacture
If disposable stylets are used to create hooks, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to single-use disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed as a reusable device that can be cleaned and sterilized after use. The smooth surfaces and lack of crevices in the molded plastic construction facilitate easy cleaning, allowing the device to be recovered and reused multiple times rather than discarded after single use.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is constructed from molded plastic material that combines ease of manufacturing with reusability and cleanability. The plastic material can be easily molded into the required shapes while maintaining smooth surfaces for cleaning, unlike metal stylets that must be bent and cannot be effectively sterilized.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple articles are held on IV poles using makeshift devices, then the adaptability is improved, but the stability of the object's composition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into distinct functional segments: an IV bag holder portion with a first collar for securing IV bags, and a second collar for holding other medical articles. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collars are designed with flexible characteristics that allow them to adapt to different article sizes and shapes while maintaining secure holding. The flexible nature of the collars enables them to conform to various articles while providing stable support.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cleanable and reusable device which is attachable on an IV pole for holding multiple different instruments and articles such as an ether screen, a pacemaker, additional IV bags, and/or a transesophageal echo probe.