Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Assembly Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for disposing of pharmaceutical waste are inadequate, as they often involve improper disposal in biohazardous sharps containers or down drains, and existing waste disposal systems are costly, impractical, and unfeasible for widespread use in healthcare facilities.
Innovation Solution
A pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly that includes a fluid waste receiver, a solid waste receiver, and a receiver retainer, designed to securely hold and manage both fluid and solid pharmaceutical waste, with features such as tamper-resistant caps, durable materials, and indicators for waste capacity and expiration dates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional waste disposal methods (sharps containers, drains, trash) are used, then disposal simplicity is maintained, but regulatory compliance and environmental safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The disposal system is segmented into separate receivers for different waste types (fluid waste receiver, solid waste receiver, hazardous waste receiver) and includes separate caps for each. This segmentation allows compliant disposal of different pharmaceutical waste types while maintaining simple user operation through dedicated containers for each waste category.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary disposal assembly that sits between the waste generation point and final disposal. This intermediate system with its specific receivers and caps serves as a mediator to ensure regulatory compliance before waste is ultimately disposed of, bridging the gap between simple disposal needs and regulatory requirements.
2Reliability
If expensive waste receiver systems requiring original bar-coded containers are used, then waste tracking and security are improved, but cost and practicality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable caps that can be easily replaced when contaminated or full, rather than requiring expensive, complex, reusable tracking systems. These inexpensive, single-use caps provide adequate security and tracking functionality for the intended use case, eliminating the need for costly bar-coded container systems while maintaining waste security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate waste disposal systems are deployed in healthcare facilities, then waste management coverage is improved, but space occupation and mobility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple waste receiver functions into a single integrated disposal assembly that can accommodate fluid waste, solid waste, and hazardous waste in one unit. This consolidation provides comprehensive waste management coverage while occupying minimal floor space and maintaining mobility, eliminating the need for multiple separate disposal systems throughout healthcare facilities.
4Reliability
If heavy and bulky disposal systems are used, then waste containment reliability is improved, but ease of movement and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The disposal system is divided into separate components (receivers and caps) that can be independently replaced. The caps themselves are lightweight and disposable, eliminating the need for heavy, bulky containment systems. This segmentation allows the main body to remain lightweight and mobile while maintaining reliable waste containment through the separate, replaceable caps.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for receiving pharmaceutical waste into a waste receiver includes a receiver body coupled to a receiver cap. The assembly also includes a receiver housing defining an interior divided into a receiver compartment configured to receive the receiver body and a cap compartment configured to receive the receiver cap, with the cap compartment dimensioned so as to receive the receiver cap in a single orientation. The assembly also includes a receiver lid coupled to the receiver housing. The receiver lid covers the cap compartment and defines a waste aperture through which the pharmaceutical waste is configured to be directed into the waste receiver.