Releasable Sharps Bin Closure for Controlled Lid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sharps bins are designed for single use due to locked closures that cannot be unlocked, leading to increased waste and transport costs, despite often being only partially full.
Innovation Solution
A releasable closure system for sharps bins that allows authorized personnel to unlock and separate the lid from the main body using a specialized release tool, enabling the bin to be reused after contents are incinerated and the main body cleaned for recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the closure is locked to prevent access to contents, then security and reliability are improved, but the bin cannot be reused and must be incinerated entirely
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into separable components: the lid assembly can be detached from the bin body after locking. The locking mechanism includes removable locking members that engage with the bin body, allowing the lid to be securely locked during use but subsequently separated for reuse of the bin body.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid and closure components are designed to be discarded after a single use, while the bin body is recovered and reused. The locking mechanism enables this by securing the lid to the bin body during use, then allowing controlled separation so the valuable bin body can be returned for reuse while the disposable lid is discarded.
2Reliability
If the entire bin is transported to incineration facility, then complete disposal of medical waste is ensured, but transport costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the bin into transportable components: the bin body containing waste and the lid assembly. Only the bin body with contents needs to be transported to the incineration facility, while the lid can be separated and discarded locally, reducing transport volume and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid assembly is extracted as a separate component from the bin body. This allows the lid to be removed and discarded at the collection point, leaving only the bin body with waste contents to be transported to the incineration facility, thereby reducing transport requirements.
3Reliability
If the closure is made permanently locked, then access prevention is maximized, but the bin cannot be opened for reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static permanent lock to a dynamic system that changes state. During use, the locking members engage to prevent access. After use, the locking members can be disengaged using a release tool, allowing the lid to be removed and the bin body reused. The system adapts its locking state based on the usage phase.
Solution Approach 2:
A release tool acts as an intermediary to operate the locking mechanism. The tool engages with the locking members and applies force to disengage them, enabling controlled opening of the closure. This intermediary device allows authorized personnel to transition from locked to unlocked state without compromising security during normal use.
Data Source
AI summary
A system that allows for the re-use of a sharps locked bin. The system comprises a bin for medical waste comprising a main body with a peripheral flange and a lid with an outer rim. When the bin is locked, a gap is located between an internal rim of the flange of the main body and the outer rim of the lid. The system also comprises bin opening apparatus comprising a base jig and a pillar drill which includes a plate orientated generally horizontally in use and pronged released members extending downwardly from the plate.