Barrier Dispenser for Stethoscope Heads Using Self-Service Film Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) pose a significant threat due to contamination of stethoscopes, which are often not properly cleaned between patient encounters, leading to the transmission of microbial, bacterial, viral, and pathogenic agents.
Innovation Solution
The development of an apparatus and method for applying a protective barrier to medical scopes, including stethoscopes, using a dispensing device that provides a film or membrane with antimicrobial properties, reducing contamination and the risk of HAIs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective barrier is applied to the stethoscope head, then the risk of microbial transmission is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for a dispensing apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The stethoscope head itself is used to dispense the protective barrier film from the housing, eliminating the need for separate dispensing mechanisms. The film is automatically applied when the stethoscope head is inserted into the housing, making the system self-serving and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stethoscope head serves dual functions: as the diagnostic tool for patient examination and as the dispensing mechanism for the protective barrier film. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall system structure.
2Ease of operation
If the stethoscope head is used to dispense the barrier, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase for the housing and film alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with a recess that provides a fixed, predetermined position for the stethoscope head insertion. This ensures consistent alignment between the stethoscope head and the film dispensing mechanism, maintaining manufacturing precision while keeping the operation simple for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The film is pre-positioned and stored within the housing in a controlled manner, ready for dispensing. The housing structure pre-establishes the correct alignment and positioning, so that when the stethoscope head is inserted, the film is automatically applied with the correct alignment without requiring additional user adjustment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the film is stored in a housing with a recess, then the stability of the system is improved, but the volume of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The film roll is nested within the housing, and the stethoscope head is inserted into a recess within the housing structure. This nested arrangement allows the film storage and dispensing mechanism to be compactly integrated, minimizing the overall volume while maintaining system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective barrier itself is a thin film that can be stored in a compact manner within the housing. The flexibility of the film allows it to be wound or folded within a small volume while still providing adequate coverage when applied to the stethoscope head.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a housing with a left side panel, right side panel, and top panel, each of which may comprise a slot. The apparatus may comprise a front panel that is insertable into the slots of the left and right-side panels. The front panel may comprise a recessed region configured to receive a portion of a medical instrument. A source of a barrier material may be supported by the left and right-side panels. The apparatus may comprise a lid cover comprising a roller portion that is insertable into a slot of the top panel. The lid cover may pivot relative to the housing when the roller portion is inserted into the slot of the top panel. The lid cover and the front panel may form a gap through which a portion of the barrier material may extend when the barrier material is dispensed.