Motorized Scrub Brush Head for Consistent Catheter Connector Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleansing medical components, such as catheter connectors, are inefficient and labor-intensive, often requiring manual scrubbing which can lead to user fatigue and inconsistent cleaning due to the need for manual rotation of scrub brushes.
Innovation Solution
A handheld assistive device with a motorized scrub brush system that includes a rotatable head, vibratory motion, ultrasonic pulsing, and vacuum assistance, along with a docking station for charging and data download, to enhance the cleansing action and reduce manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual scrubbing is used to cleanse medical components, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is low and user fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical scrubbing with an automated motorized system that includes a motor, drive shaft, and scrubbing head assembly. The motor automatically rotates the scrub brush back-and-forth against the medical component, eliminating the need for manual rotation while significantly improving cleaning efficiency and consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system performs self-service through automated operation where the motorized scrubbing head independently executes the cleaning cycle without continuous human intervention. The system includes automatic controls that manage the scrubbing process, timing, and motion patterns, allowing the device to service itself during operation.
2Reliability
If manual rotation of scrub brush is required, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of consistent cleaning is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual rotation with a motorized drive system that provides consistent, controlled rotational motion. The motor ensures uniform speed and pressure application throughout the cleaning cycle, eliminating variability introduced by manual operation and ensuring reliable, repeatable cleaning results.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms including timers, motion sensors, and control circuits that monitor and adjust the scrubbing process in real-time. This ensures consistent cleaning parameters are maintained throughout operation, and the system can detect and correct deviations from the intended cleaning pattern.
3Productivity
If automated motorized scrubbing is implemented, then the productivity increases, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized scrubbing system operates in periodic cycles with controlled duration and intensity. The motor activates only during the scrubbing phase and shuts off during intervals, creating a rhythm of operation that maximizes cleaning effectiveness while minimizing total energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies motorized power only when and where needed during the cleaning process, rather than continuously. The scrubbing head engages the medical component only during the active cleaning phase, and the motor provides sufficient power to achieve effective cleaning without excessive energy input, optimizing the balance between productivity and energy use.
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 assistive device ensures thorough and efficient cleansing of medical components by automating the scrubbing process, reducing user fatigue and providing consistent cleaning cycles, while also allowing for tracking and data management of usage.
Implementation Method 1
The device includes a motor and a shaft operably connected to the motor. The shaft enables back-and-forth rotation or other movement of the head and scrub brush relative to the medical component
Implementation Method 2
In one embodiment, a docking station is included to charge a rechargeable battery of the assistive device and to download useful information relating to its operation
Implementation Method 3
In yet another embodiment, multi-unit scrub brushes are disclosed for use with the assistive device
Data Source
AI summary
A system and device for assisting with the cleansing of a medical component with a scrub brush is disclosed. In one embodiment, an assistive device for use with the scrub brush is disclosed. The scrub brush includes an insert disposed therein, the insert including a cleansing substance such as CHG or alcohol. The assistive device comprises a housing, a motor, a head removably supporting the scrub brush, and an interface interconnecting the motor and the head. The interface is a shaft that enables back-and-forth rotation or other movement of the head and scrub brush relative to the medical component so as to cleanse the medical component.