Stethoscope Cleaning Assembly with Self-Activating Dispenser

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current stethoscope cleaning devices are inadequate for rapid, effective, and safe disinfection, often requiring multiple steps, being time-consuming, and prone to contamination, which contributes to the spread of nosocomial infections.

Innovation Solution

A stethoscope cleaning assembly with a housing that allows for a single, unidirectional swipe to apply and remove cleaning fluid, using an alcohol-based solution and a mechanical dispenser activated by the stethoscope head's passage, ensuring thorough disinfection without external buttons or pads to prevent contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual wiping with disinfecting wipes is used, then cleaning can be performed, but it is time-consuming and burdensome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The stethoscope head automatically activates the dispenser assembly through its own movement along the path of travel, eliminating the need for manual activation by the user. The system serves itself by using the cleaning object's motion to trigger the cleaning fluid delivery mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical action of wiping with a cloth or wipe is replaced by an automated fluid dispensing system that applies cleaning fluid and uses the applicator assembly to clean the stethoscope head automatically as it passes through the housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple cleaning steps are used, then thorough disinfection can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection thoroughnessVSAvoidcleaning process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cleaning functions (fluid dispensing, application to applicator, and cleaning action) are merged into a single integrated housing and path of travel system. The dispenser assembly, applicator assembly, and housing work together as one unified device that performs thorough cleaning in a single pass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If external buttons or pads are used for activation, then cleaning can be initiated, but user exposure to cleaning fluids and contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation capabilityVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stethoscope head itself activates the cleaning system by triggering the dispenser assembly through its movement, eliminating the need for the user to touch or activate any external buttons or pads. This self-activating mechanism prevents user exposure to cleaning fluids.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The path of travel acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the stethoscope head's movement into activation of the dispenser assembly, providing indirect activation that eliminates direct user contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of time

If cursory cleaning procedures are used, then time is saved, but cleaning effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning durationVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning action continues continuously as the stethoscope head travels along the entire path of travel within the housing, ensuring thorough disinfection of all surfaces. The applicator assembly maintains contact with the stethoscope head throughout the motion, providing uninterrupted cleaning action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Facilitates quick, effective disinfection of stethoscope diaphragm and rim, reducing the risk of nosocomial infections by eliminating the need for multiple steps and external activation, while preventing user exposure to cleaning fluids and contamination.

Implementation Method 1

an alcohol-based solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProtein denaturation:

Implementation Method 2

Facilitates quick, effective disinfection of stethoscope diaphragm and rim

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDisinfection:

Data Source

PatentUS8057117B2Stethoscope cleaning assembly

Publication Date: 2011.11.15 SEEDLINGS LIFE SCIENCE VENTURES LLC

AI summary

An assembly structured to clean the head portion of a stethoscope comprising a housing including a path of travel along which the head portion passes during cleaning. A supply of cleaning fluid associated with a dispenser assembly is cooperatively disposed relative to an activating assembly. The activating assembly is operated in moveable engagement with the head portion, and activates the dispenser assembly when engaged by the head portion as it passes along the path of travel. The dispenser assembly delivers the cleaning fluid to an applicator assembly which distributes the cleaning fluid to the head portion and facilitates the cleaning thereof and removal of excess cleaning fluid there from. At least one disinfectant agent is dispersed within or comprises a portion of the housing and is formulated to be destructively effective against pathogenic bacteria, such as in the spore form, which is generally not affected by the cleaning fluid.