In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, medical equipment carts are used in a wide range of applications and serve multiple purposes. Examine a unique engineering approach to medical equipment cart development that provides limitless customization options for medical device manufacturers and care providers alike.
The Importance of Flexibility for Medical Equipment Cart Development
The healthcare landscape is frequently evolving and ever-changing, so flexibility in a medical equipment cart is extremely important. Flexibility helps both medical device manufacturers and health care providers to become more efficient. Of course, the flexibility needs of each equipment cart will vary depending on the application.
For Healthcare Providers:
A flexible medical equipment cart creates potential for application specific adjustment. Ultimately, this helps you meet the exact needs of your facility and create an more efficient process for your teams to administer care to patients.
For Medical Device Manufacturers (OEM's):
A flexible medical equipment cart creates customization options to meet the specific needs of your medical device, system, or users. Whether it's a surgical suite, an emergency room, or a diagnostic lab, a versatile cart can be reconfigured quickly to support various medical procedures and technologies, ensuring that healthcare providers have the right tools at their fingertips.
The amount of flexibility needed for your medical cart will vary greatly based on the needs of the system or user. For example, A robotic surgical systems we would engineer and manufacture for an OEM will typically serve a more acute purpose than a inventory supply cart developed to be used in a broad application.
Let's examine the design and development decisions that help a medical equipment cart become more flexible and easily manufacturable. Designing with flexible features and utilizing standardized components wherever possible can help you avoid over-engineering your product and keep your launch strategy intact.
Design Features That Create Flexibility
A flexible medical equipment cart should include several modular design elements. These integrations allow the cart to be easily reconfigured with different tops, drawers, shelves, and compartments to accommodate various types of medical equipment and supplies.
Mobility is another essential feature. High-quality casters with locking mechanisms ensure that the cart can be moved effortlessly and securely positioned as needed. Additionally, ergonomic handles and lightweight materials contribute to ease of movement, reducing strain on healthcare workers.
Design Considerations for Adaptable Carts:
- Use of Modular Design Elements
- Modular Tops, Shelves, and Compartments
- Height Adjustable Columns or Work Surfaces
- High Quality Casters with Locking Mechanisms
- Ergonomic, Repositionable Handles
- Lightweight Materials
Components Used to Create Flexibility During the Engineering Process
Beyond the design features of your medical equipment cart, the engineering process can create additional opportunities for versatility. Our engineers utilize the many of the following components to widen your application, help you get to market faster, and prevent the cart from being over-engineered. As much as our engineers love to solve innovative challenges, they understand the value of not re-inventing a well designed wheel.
Columns with Adjustable Slot & Tab Mounts
This type of column feature a series of tapped slots embedded inside a channel. The slots allow the flexibility to insert tabbed shelves quickly in standard increments without the need for screws. The VersaPlus standard cart platform is a customizable medical cart that utilizes this type of solution - it was designed using standard shelf and accessory sizes.
Weldment Columns with Fixed Tapped Holes
This type of column features a series of tapped holes embedded inside of a channel. The example to the left utilizes a dual column that allows shelves, devices, or components to be fixed directly to the column and are spaced in standard increments. The design paired with this type of solution typically uses standard sizes for shelves and accessories.
Universal Accessory Brackets and Adapters
This type column utilizes a standard three hole pattern that pairs with a universal mounting brackets and adapters. This allows a variety of baskets, cord wraps, power brick holders, or shelves to be mounted to the cart. The VersaStar standard cart platform is a customizable cart that utilizes this type of solution.
Quick Release Device Mounts
This universal quick-release plate allows a device to be quickly and seamlessly swapped. In the event that the attached medical device needs to be serviced, updated, or replaced - the existing cart can stay in place.
Off-the-Shelf Monitor Mounts
An off-the-shelf monitor mounting arm can work with a wide selection of monitors. The engineering for a reputable mounting arm, has often been refined over time and various models allow for easy user adjustments. If using a reputable brand, durability has often been refined and replacement parts are accessible.
Standard VESA Monitors Mounts
To avoid over-engineering a cart and create a universal application for screen mounting solutions, our engineers often utilize standard monitor mounts such as VESA mounts.
Meeting IEC 60601-1 Medical Cart Requirements
A well-designed medical cart not only improves the lives of patients and healthcare workers, it protects them. That’s why IEC 60601-1 compliance is so important for medical carts. The 60601 testing standards ensure your cart will function safely for all users. IEC 60601-1 compliance should be your first consideration when choosing or designing a medical cart.
Many off-the-shelf-standard carts are designed with IEC 60606-1 compliance in mind. As a cart is populated or modified it begins to create additional exposure issues for the patient.
The Ultimate Guide to IEC-60601-1 for Medical Carts outlines many of the important considerations - it also includes a few helpful cheat sheets and infographics.
Future Trends in Medical Equipment Cart Development
Looking ahead, we can expect several trends to shape the development of medical equipment carts. One major trend is the increasing use of automation and robotics. Automated carts can assist with tasks such as medication delivery and supply restocking, freeing up healthcare personnel to focus on direct patient care.
Another trend is the emphasis on sustainability. Eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs are becoming more important as healthcare facilities strive to reduce their environmental footprint. Additionally, the customization and personalization of medical carts will continue to advance, driven by the need for specialized solutions in various medical fields.
