Touch-Free Medical Instrument Cover Dispenser with Motorized Spool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for dispensing disposable stethoscope and ultrasound probe covers are not touch-free, leading to potential bacterial contamination and require manual activation, which can result in non-compliance with infection control practices due to time constraints and hassle, and lack standardization for various probe shapes and sizes.

Innovation Solution

A touch-free dispenser system that uses a cartridge with spools for disposable covers, a motor, and a processor with sensors to automatically dispense covers upon user proximity, alerting when supplies are low, and includes a design compatible with specific markers for user authentication and data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual activation and handling of disposable covers is used, then device complexity is reduced, but infection control compliance deteriorates due to potential bacterial contamination from clinician's hands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection control complianceVSAvoiddispenser system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated motor-driven spool system that dispenses covers without requiring clinician contact. The motor rotates the spool to advance the backing member and positioned cover, eliminating the need for manual activation and reducing infection control risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The dispenser system performs self-service by automatically detecting when a cover is needed, rotating the spool to position the next cover, and maintaining readiness for dispensing without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors its own state and autonomously prepares the next cover for use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Object-affected harmful factors

If touch-free automatic dispensing is implemented, then bacterial contamination risk is reduced, but time for dispensing increases due to automated mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebacterial contamination riskVSAvoiddispensing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously maintaining the backing member and cover in a pre-positioned state ready for immediate dispensing. The spool is kept under tension and the cover is pre-aligned with the instrument, so that when dispensing is triggered, the cover can be applied almost immediately without requiring manual manipulation or setup time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If standardized dispensing mechanisms are used for various probes, then adaptability to different instrument shapes and sizes is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various probe shapes and sizesVSAvoidcover positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal dispensing mechanism with a standardized spool, backing member, and cover alignment system that can accommodate multiple instrument types including stethoscope heads and various ultrasound probes. The same basic mechanism serves multiple functions across different instrument categories, achieving versatility through standardized interfaces and positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230034321A1Cartridges, dispensers, and kits for dispensing instrument covers

Publication Date: 2023.02.02 ASEPTISCOPE INC

AI summary

A device for automatic touch-free dispensing of disposable material onto a hand of an individual is provided. The device comprises a first spool configured to hold backing members having disposable material disposed thereon. The first spool engages with a first gear connected to a motor responsible for rotating the first spool to deliver the disposable material into the middle of an access window of the device. Preferably, the device is enclosed within a housing assembly.