Ward Trolley Cable Compartment Layout for Hygienic Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ward trolleys in healthcare facilities face challenges with simplified handling, hygiene, and cleaning requirements, particularly due to exposed cables and potential cable damage.
Innovation Solution
The ward trolley features an encapsulated energy management system with a pivotable monitor and concealed cable routing, where the cable space is separated from the storage space by a partition, and access is possible only from the rear, ensuring secure and hygienic cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cables are exposed and accessible for EDP system connections, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to cable damage and loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing is nested within the tube structure that carries the monitor. The tube serves as a protective conduit that houses the cables internally, preventing them from being exposed to external damage while maintaining organized routing from the computer to the monitor connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable management function is extracted from the general storage space and dedicated to a specific cable space located behind the storage space. This separation ensures cables are confined to a protected area with controlled access, preventing accidental damage while maintaining accessibility when needed.
2Ease of operation
If EDP system components are accessible from the front, then ease of operation is improved, but hygiene deteriorates due to contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The cabinet part is segmented into distinct functional zones: a storage space for utensils in the front, a cable space behind it, and a separate computer housing area. This segmentation allows the EDP system components to be accessed through the storage compartment rather than direct front access, reducing contamination exposure while maintaining operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage compartment acts as an intermediary access point to the cable space and EDP system components. Instead of direct front access to cables and computer equipment, users access these components through the storage compartment door, which serves as a buffer zone that reduces direct exposure to potential contaminants.
3Reliability
If cable space is separated from storage space, then reliability is improved by protecting cables, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube that carries the monitor serves multiple functions: it supports the monitor at the appropriate height and angle, provides a protective conduit for cable routing, and structurally connects the monitor to the cabinet framework. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cable management components, thereby limiting complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable routing function is merged with the monitor support structure. The tube that would otherwise be solely a mechanical support element also serves as the cable conduit, combining structural and electrical management functions into a single integrated component.
Data Source
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AI summary
The station wagon (1) has mobile trained cabinet (2) comprising front accessible storage space (19) for receiving utensils. A cable space is provided behind storage space in feed direction by an intermediate wall. The storage space is provided with storage compartment (12) through which cable space is accessed.