Mayo Stand Cover with Integrated Vertical Refuse Container
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Mayo stand covers with disposable plastic bags are prone to spilling surgical waste when removed, compromising sterility and requiring manual handling that can lead to contamination and inefficiencies in waste disposal.
Innovation Solution
A combined Mayo stand cover with a clear plastic, low-profile surgical waste and sterile trash container integrated into the cover, positioned vertically along the Mayo stand's support member, providing a sealable slot for easy waste disposal without disturbing surgical instruments and maintaining sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate refuse pocket is attached to the Mayo stand cover, then waste disposal is enabled, but the moveable structure causes the refuse bag to move outwardly during cover removal, potentially spilling contents and endangering sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The refuse container is merged with the Mayo stand cover to form an integrated unit. The container is positioned within the cover structure itself, with its opening accessible through a slot in the cover. This integration ensures that the container moves with the cover as a single unit, eliminating the spillage risk associated with separate moveable pockets while maintaining ease of waste disposal.
2Loss of information
If a clear plastic refuse container is integrated into the Mayo stand cover, then visual identification of waste contents is enabled, but the container structure increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The refuse container is constructed from flexible plastic material that can be integrated into the Mayo stand cover. The container walls are made of thin, transparent plastic sheets that provide visual identification of contents while maintaining flexibility for disposal. The slot opening is also formed from the same flexible cover material, allowing simple integration without complex rigid structures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the refuse container opening slot is positioned below the Mayo stand top surface, then surgical instruments are not disturbed during waste disposal, but access to the slot requires precise positioning by the scrub nurse
Solution Approach 1:
The slot opening is positioned and sized to allow the scrub nurse to easily reach in and dispose of waste without requiring complex manipulation or disturbing instruments on the stand. The slot dimensions and location are designed so that the natural motion of the scrub nurse's hand while disposing of waste provides sufficient access, making the system self-service oriented and eliminating the need for additional positioning mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A Mayo stand cover and integrated medical waste refuse container that includes a pair of thin plastic sheets sealed together to cover the top and bottom of a Mayo stand with a liquid barrier and a strategically positioned, substantially rectangular visually clear sealable plastic refuse container sheet attached in a specific area of the Mayo stand cover to be positioned vertically perpendicular to the Mayo stand. The refuse container allows surgical personnel direct access for disposing of surgical waste and a visual opportunity to determine what has been placed in the refuse bag for counting purposes, and prevents waste material from falling out during removal of the Mayo stand cover after surgery.