Medical Waste Rover Float Zero-Setting for Accurate Volume Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste collection and disposal systems in healthcare facilities face challenges such as the need for frequent emptying of waste containers, inaccurate volume estimation, susceptibility to water droplets entering the vacuum source, difficulty in servicing vacuum lines, noise from smoke evacuation systems, and accessibility issues for medical personnel of smaller stature due to IV pole height and design.
Innovation Solution
A waste collection unit with stacked containers allowing for transfer of waste between them without moving the unit, independently controlled vacuum levels, quick-release connectors, a noise-reduced smoke evacuation system, and a retractable IV pole, along with a docking station design that conceals couplings for aesthetic and operational improvements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a small waste container is used, then volume estimation precision is improved, but the frequency of emptying increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waste collection system is divided into multiple separate waste containers (first waste container, second waste container) instead of using a single large container. This segmentation allows the system to maintain small container sizes for accurate visual volume estimation while providing multiple containers to avoid frequent emptying during procedures.
2Productivity
If a large waste container is used, then procedure continuity is improved, but volume estimation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large container that compromises volume estimation accuracy, the system uses multiple smaller containers. Each container maintains good visual estimation characteristics while the collective capacity of multiple containers provides sufficient waste storage capacity for continuous procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Different containers can serve different purposes or be positioned for different surgical sites, allowing each container to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining appropriate size for volume estimation.
3Device complexity
If a single vacuum source is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different suction requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system incorporates adjustable vacuum regulators that allow dynamic control of vacuum levels. Each suction line can have its vacuum pressure independently adjusted to match different surgical requirements, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple single vacuum source architecture.
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
Reduces the frequency of emptying waste containers, provides accurate volume estimation, prevents water droplets from entering the vacuum source, simplifies servicing, minimizes noise, and enhances accessibility and durability of the IV pole, thereby improving operational efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a float element disposed within the waste container and adjacent to the sensor rod to float near a surface of the liquid contained within the waste container
Implementation Method 2
A transceiver is electrically connected to the sensor rod to propagate an interrogation pulse along the sensor rod and receive return pulses
Implementation Method 3
A vacuum source is in selective communication with the waste containers to provide a vacuum in the waste containers and draw the waste material into the waste containers through the suction lines
Data Source
AI summary
A medical/surgical waste collection rover includes a first waste container disposed on a portable cart and receiving waste under the influence of a vacuum. A fluid measuring system includes a float element disposed within the first waste container, and a controller causing liquid in a reservoir disposed on the cart to prefill the first waste container and subject the float element to an initial lifting to a zero point level. The fluid measuring system determines a volume of contents within the first waste container based on a position of the float element relative to the zero point level. The fluid measuring system may include a sensor rod extending through the first waste container and a second waste container disposed on the cart and separated from the first waste container by a transfer valve. Methods of estimating the volume of liquid and/or medical/surgical waste within the waste container are also provided.