Medical Waste Design Products

What it does

This mobile sterilization device solves space and workflow issues in small hospitals through its compact, modular design. User-friendly features improve hygiene and efficiency while reducing transport and energy waste for greater sustainability.

Your inspiration

The idea originated from news articles highlighting the sharp increase in infectious medical waste during the pandemic. Small and medium-sized hospitals, in particular, faced challenges due to limited sterilization facilities and inefficient waste transport systems, increasing the risk of contamination. With experts warning that virus outbreaks like COVID-19 may recur in the near future, we recognized the urgent need for a more flexible and rapid solution. This led to the development of a compact, mobile device capable of handling sterilization and waste management directly within hospital wards.

How it works

This mobile sterilization device operates based on the high-temperature, high-pressure steam sterilization method. When medical waste or instruments are placed inside the internal chamber, it automatically seals and initiates the sterilization process at preset temperature and pressure levels. Built-in sensors continuously monitor temperature and pressure, providing real-time status updates via a clear, easy-to-read display for the user. Upon completion, the chamber automatically releases pressure and notifies the user that sterilized items are safe to remove. The waste collection section is a separate module that stores waste before and after sterilization separately, and the devices wheels allow easy movement within hospital wards. Additionally, a foot-operated pedal enables hands-free opening and closing of the chamber door, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.

Design process

The project began with the idea to address space constraints and inefficient medical waste management faced by small and medium-sized hospitals. By analyzing hospital articles and medical waste reports, we identified key challenges and established the basic concept for a mobile sterilization device. We refined the design through 3D modeling and simulations. Although a prototype has not yet been produced, once developed, we plan to improve mobility, sealing, temperature uniformity within the sterilization chamber, and the waste module capacity. We aim to optimize the heat circulation system and design the waste module as a detachable, expandable structure to enhance efficiency. We also plan to improve the user interface and enhance the responsiveness of the foot-operated pedal for easier use. Currently, we are finalizing the design and conducting further research to prepare for product development. This includes exploring advanced sterilization technologies, sustainable materials, and incorporating smart sensors for real-time monitoring. We are also collaborating closely with healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies to ensure the device meets practical needs, complies with safety standards, and can be effectively integrated into various hospital environments.

How it is different

This project is original in its design as a compact, trolley-type mobile sterilization device that overcomes the space and cost limitations of existing sterilization shredders. Unlike large, expensive, and fixed sterilization shredders that are difficult to move and install within hospitals, this product can be easily placed and relocated anywhere within hospital wards, offering superior convenience and efficiency. Its modular structure separates waste collection and sterilization functions, allowing flexible assembly and disassembly for easier maintenance and operation. Additionally, innovative features such as a foot-operated pedal and smart sensors prioritize hygiene and safety, providing an effective and economical sterilization solution especially suited for small and medium-sized hospitals. This design significantly improves operational workflow by enabling on-site sterilization, reducing contamination risks and staff workload.

Future plans

The next development phase focuses on design validation and creating a functional prototype. After production, we plan usability testing in hospital environments to optimize performance. Attention will be given to improving temperature uniformity in the sterilization chamber, efficient waste module separation, and interface enhancements. We will pursue regulatory certifications to ensure safety and hygiene. We aim to strengthen mobility and durability for adapting various hospital settings. Ultimately, we plan to commercialize the product as an eco-friendly, efficient sterilization solution widely adopted by small and medium-sized hospitals.

Awards