Stethoscope Cover Dispensing System with Elastomeric Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stethoscope covers fail to provide an air-tight seal, are prone to contamination, and have issues with acoustic transmission, while their dispensers are cumbersome, leading to concerns about bacterial transmission and inefficient use in hospital settings.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system with a housing and rollers that holds and dispenses acoustically transmissive instrument covers, which are designed to fit securely on stethoscopes, featuring antimicrobial materials and static cling for easy removal and reapplication, ensuring an air-tight seal and preventing cross-contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional thin plastic adhesive covers are used on stethoscope diaphragms, then they can be applied quickly, but they fail to provide an air-tight seal and allow transmission of microorganisms and fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane made of elastomeric material that conformally fits over the stethoscope diaphragm assembly. This flexible film approach allows the cover to adapt to the curved surfaces of the diaphragm and housing while maintaining an air-tight seal, resolving the contradiction between ease of application and seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction combining an elastomeric membrane with an adhesive layer and a rigid housing structure. This composite material approach enables the cover to provide both the flexibility needed for easy application and the structural integrity required for reliable sealing against microorganisms and fluids.
2Ease of operation
If conventional adhesive covers are used, then they can be applied to the diaphragm, but they fall off during application and use
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elastomeric membrane is designed to conformally fit over the diaphragm assembly, distributing adhesive forces across a larger surface area and adapting to surface irregularities. This flexible film design prevents the cover from detaching during application and use while maintaining ease of application.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed with curved surfaces that match the geometry of the stethoscope diaphragm assembly. This curvature optimization ensures proper conformal contact and maximizes adhesive bonding strength, preventing the cover from falling off during application and use.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional covers are used, then they provide basic coverage, but they have poor acoustic transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elastomeric membrane is designed with optimal thickness and material properties to balance acoustic transmission with contaminant barrier functionality. The thin film structure allows acoustic energy to pass through while maintaining effectiveness as a barrier to microorganisms and fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes physical parameters of the membrane including thickness, material composition, and surface properties to achieve the desired balance between acoustic transmission and contaminant protection. By adjusting these parameters, the cover provides both good acoustic performance and effective barrier functionality.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional dispensers are used, then they can store covers, but they are cumbersome and make it difficult to dispense
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser housing serves multiple functions: it stores multiple covers, provides a controlled dispensing mechanism, and maintains cover orientation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate storage and dispensing systems, making the overall device less cumbersome while improving dispensing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is designed to allow easy access and removal of covers by the user without requiring complex mechanisms. The housing structure and opening design enable self-service dispensing where the user can easily retrieve a cover when needed, improving dispensing ease while maintaining adequate storage capacity.
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 system effectively prevents cross-contamination between patients by providing a secure, air-tight seal and maintaining acoustic functionality, while the antimicrobial properties reduce the risk of bacterial transmission, enhancing hygiene in medical settings.
Implementation Method 1
static cling from the second surface and/or the strip removably couples the instrument covers to the strip
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing system is provided including a housing having a cavity, a first opening and a second opening, the openings being in communication with the cavity. First and second rollers are positioned within the cavity. A strip extends through the openings. The strip has a first end that is wound about the first roller and a second end that is wound about the second roller. A plurality of instrument covers are removably positioned on the strip. Methods of use and kits are disclosed.