Stethoscope Cleaning Device with Pivoting Fluid Dispensing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In healthcare settings, there is a need for a device that effectively cleans, sanitizes, and disinfects stethoscopes between uses to prevent the spread of pathogens among clinical staff and patients on isolation protocols.

Innovation Solution

A stethoscope cleaning device is designed with a lower portion for supporting and cleaning the stethoscope and an upper portion for receiving a canister containing a cleaning fluid. The device allows for the pivoting of the upper portion relative to the lower portion, which activates the dispensing tip of the canister, enabling the cleaning fluid to flow onto the stethoscope components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a stethoscope is dedicated to a single patient on isolation protocol, then the risk of pathogen spread is reduced, but the cost increases due to needing multiple stethoscopes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen spread preventionVSAvoidnumber of stethoscopes required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The stethoscope cleaning device enables self-service cleaning by the healthcare provider immediately after patient contact. The device includes a receptacle that receives the stethoscope and automatically dispenses cleaning solution when the stethoscope is inserted, allowing the provider to clean the stethoscope themselves without additional staff or complex procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device performs preliminary cleaning action by dispensing cleaning solution onto the stethoscope immediately upon insertion into the receptacle. This preliminary cleaning occurs before the stethoscope is used on the next patient, ensuring pathogen removal without requiring separate cleaning steps or equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If a stethoscope is shared among multiple healthcare providers, then equipment cost is reduced, but the risk of cross-contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of stethoscopes requiredVSAvoidcross-contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Each healthcare provider can independently clean the stethoscope using the self-service cleaning device after their patient interaction. The device automatically dispenses cleaning solution and the provider simply inserts the stethoscope into the receptacle, ensuring consistent cleaning without requiring dedicated cleaning staff or complex procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device acts as an intermediary between the stethoscope and the healthcare provider's cleaning actions. It provides the cleaning solution and facilitates the cleaning process, serving as a mediator that enables effective disinfection without requiring direct manual cleaning by multiple providers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If manual cleaning procedures are used, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness and thoroughness decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning device structureVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device performs the cleaning action automatically when the stethoscope is inserted into the receptacle. The system self-dispenses cleaning solution and the provider simply needs to insert and remove the stethoscope, eliminating the need for complex manual cleaning procedures while ensuring thorough disinfection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device replaces manual mechanical cleaning actions with an automated dispensing system. Instead of requiring providers to manually apply cleaning solution and wipe surfaces, the system automatically dispenses the cleaning agent onto the stethoscope components, ensuring consistent and thorough coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The device effectively prevents the spread of pathogens by ensuring thorough cleaning and disinfection of stethoscopes, thereby reducing the risk of cross-contamination among healthcare workers and patients. Additionally, it extends the lifespan of dedicated stethoscopes, allowing for their use without the need for frequent replacement.

Implementation Method 1

movement of the first portion relative to the second portion causes a cleaning fluid to flow from the container to the earpiece chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12239496B2Stethoscope cleaning device

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 ORLANDO HEALTH INC

AI summary

A stethoscope cleaning device may include one or more of the following features: a first portion configured for supporting a stethoscope, wherein the first portion includes an earpiece chamber for receiving an earpiece of the stethoscope; and a second portion configured for receiving a container. The first portion may be movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the second portion, and movement of the first portion relative to the second portion may cause a cleaning fluid to flow from the container to the earpiece chamber.