Portable Waste Rover Docking Alignment for Surgical Fluid Disposal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste collection and disposal systems in healthcare facilities face challenges such as the need for frequent emptying of waste containers, inadequate volume estimation, susceptibility to water droplets entering the vacuum source, difficulty in servicing vacuum lines, noise from smoke evacuation systems, and accessibility issues for medical personnel of smaller stature.
Innovation Solution
A waste collection system with stacked containers allowing for transfer of waste between them without moving the unit, independent vacuum regulation for varying suction levels, quick-release connectors, a noise-reduced smoke evacuation system, and a retractable IV pole assembly to improve accessibility and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single large waste container is used, then the container can store more waste material (15 liters or more), but it becomes difficult to obtain a precise visual estimate of the quantity of removed material
Solution Approach 1:
The waste collection system divides a single large container into multiple smaller sub-containers (e.g., multiple 2-liter containers within a 15-liter capacity system). Each sub-container can be individually monitored for volume estimation, and when one fills up, the system automatically switches to the next sub-container. This segmentation maintains total storage capacity while improving visual estimation accuracy for each individual container segment.
2Measurement precision
If a smaller waste container is used, then the visual estimate of removed material becomes more precise, but the container fills more quickly requiring frequent interruptions to empty it
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple smaller sub-containers are arranged within the waste collection unit, each providing good visual estimation. When one sub-container reaches capacity, the system automatically redirects waste flow to the next available sub-container without requiring manual intervention or procedure interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic switching mechanism between multiple sub-containers ensures continuous waste collection throughout the medical procedure. The system maintains uninterrupted suction capability by seamlessly transitioning from one filled sub-container to the next empty one, eliminating downtime and maintaining procedural continuity.
3Ease of operation
If the waste collection unit must be wheeled to the docking station to empty the container before each procedure, then the container is empty for the next procedure, but this continuous back-and-forth movement is time-consuming and annoying
Solution Approach 1:
The waste collection system uses multiple removable sub-containers instead of a single large fixed container. Individual sub-containers can be quickly detached and replaced at the point of use, eliminating the need to transport the entire waste collection unit to a docking station for emptying.
Solution Approach 2:
Empty sub-containers can be prepared in advance and kept ready near the procedure area. When a sub-container fills during or between procedures, it can be quickly swapped with a pre-positioned empty one, ensuring immediate readiness for the next procedure without time-consuming trips to the docking station.
4Device complexity
If a single vacuum source is used for multiple suction lines, then the system is simpler, but all suction lines operate under the same vacuum pressure which is inadequate for advanced medical procedures requiring different vacuum levels
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is divided into multiple independent vacuum sources, with each suction line having its own dedicated vacuum pump. This segmentation allows each suction line to operate at independently controlled vacuum levels, enabling simultaneous use of different vacuum pressures for different surgical instruments during the same procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each suction line is equipped with its own vacuum source and control mechanism, allowing local adjustment of vacuum pressure according to the specific requirements of each surgical instrument or procedure step. This enables different parts of the system to have different vacuum characteristics optimized for their specific functions.
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
Reduces the frequency of emptying waste containers, provides precise volume estimation, prevents water droplets from entering the vacuum source, simplifies servicing, minimizes noise, and enhances accessibility and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source adapted for providing a vacuum to the at least one waste container to draw the waste through the suction line into the waste container
Implementation Method 2
waste material is drawn through the suction lines into the waste container
Data Source
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AI summary
A waste collection and disposal system for collecting and disposing of waste material collected through a suction line during a medical procedure is described. Said system comprises a rover including a portable cart; at least one waste container supported by the cart, the container having a connecting member for receiving a suction line through which medical/surgical waste is drawn into the container from a surgical handpiece applied to a surgical site; and a first rover coupling configured to convey waste from the at least one waste container; and a second rover coupling configured to convey fluid into the at least one waste container; a carrier mounted to said portable cart and carrying said first and second rover couplings; and a vacuum source adapted for providing a vacuum to the at least one waste container to draw the waste through the suction line into the waste container. The system also comprises a docker with a fixed frame; and a first docker coupling configured to mate with the first rover coupling and that is connected to a drain line; and a second docker coupling configured to mate with the second rover coupling and that is connected to a water line. The docker further comprises a floating frame comprising a floating plate that is configured to move relative to the fixed frame to allow the docker couplings to align with the rover couplings; and a mating interface, comprising the docker couplings and moveably attached to said floating frame to move with said floating frame and configured to move the docker couplings relative to the floating plate so that the docker coupling can move between a disengaged position in which the docker couplings are spaced from the rover couplings and an engaged position in which the docker couplings are mated to the rover couplings; and the carrier of the rover includes guide features attached to the carrier, the carrier being configured to cooperate with said floating plate so as to assist in aligning the docker couplings with the rover couplings.