Stacked Surgical Waste Containers With Independent Vacuum Control
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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, inadequate volume estimation, susceptibility to water droplets entering the vacuum source, difficulty in servicing vacuum lines, and noise from smoke evacuation systems, which disrupt medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A waste collection unit with stacked containers allowing for transfer of waste between them without moving the unit, independent vacuum regulation for varying suction levels, quick-release connectors, a filter and float assembly to prevent water entry, and a noise-reduced smoke evacuation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single waste container is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to frequent trips to the docking station for emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The waste collection system is divided into multiple containers (primary waste container and secondary waste container) that can be independently filled and emptied. This segmentation allows one container to be in use while another is being emptied or is available as backup, thereby extending continuous operation time without requiring frequent trips to the docking station.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple waste containers are combined within a single mobile surgical waste collection system, sharing common vacuum sources and control systems. This merging provides the benefits of extended capacity while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through shared components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single vacuum source is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability decreases when different vacuum levels are needed for multiple suction lines
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum generation system is segmented into multiple independent vacuum sources (first vacuum source and second vacuum source), each capable of providing vacuum to different suction lines. This allows different vacuum levels to be applied simultaneously to different surgical sites, enhancing adaptability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system is made dynamic by allowing selective activation and independent control of multiple vacuum sources. The system can adapt vacuum levels in real-time based on procedural needs, with each vacuum source being independently adjustable to provide optimal suction for different surgical requirements.
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 precise volume estimation, prevents vacuum source fouling, simplifies servicing, and minimizes noise disruptions during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source adapted for providing a vacuum to the at least one waste container to draw the waste through the suction line into the waste container
Implementation Method 2
waste material is drawn through the suction lines into the waste container
Implementation Method 3
a float assembly to prevent water droplets from entering the vacuum source
Data Source
AI summary
A waste collection and disposal system for use in health care facilities is provided. The system includes a mobile waste collection unit for moving between use areas in the health care facility to collect waste material generated during medical procedures including body fluids, body tissues, saline, etc. The waste collection unit includes stacked upper and lower waste containers for receiving the waste material. During use, the upper waste container can be emptied into the lower waste container for temporary storage. In addition, different vacuum levels can be provided in the waste containers during complex procedures. Once a user desires to empty the waste collection unit, the waste collection unit is wheeled to a docking station. At the docking station, the waste material is off-loaded to a waste drain and the waste collection unit is cleaned and rinsed for further use.