EnMotion

The enMotion Sink Cart includes an automatic soap, water, and paper towel dispenser as well as a step trash-can that creates a completely hands-free hand-washing experience to combat the spread of HAI's (health-care related infection).

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How can a paper towel dispenser help prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections?

What: Experiencing a global pandemic has shown us that many hospitals cannot contain the amount of people that need treatment, forcing some hospitals to expand their practices into non-sterile environments, causing a high risk of contamination.

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The problem: 1 in every 25 patients being treated in hospitals in the United States has an health-care related infection (HAI). The only effective prevention is proper hand-hygiene procedures. Hand-sanitizer is the most efficient method, but it does not kill all types of bacteria like hand-washing does. So, in the event of an outbreak, staff need quick access to hand-washing stations.

Portable Sink Market Analysis

Through further research I found many leading sink carts could not be operated hands-free, making the sink a contaminator itself.

On-Site Anaylsis

We went to a local urgent care facility in Garner, NC. We analyzed the practices of hand hygiene, sink usage, and paper towel usage .

Paper towel is exposed to sink handle and is now contaminated and not usable.

Many mobile carts are used to disperse supplies throughout modern healthcare.

Stationary sinks location cannot be easily altered.

Hand gel is the most popular form of sanitation, but is not as effective as hand washing.

Sink-cart Opportunity Areas

Disaster Scenarios

The pandemic forced hospitals to expand their practices into non-sterile environments.

Areas w/o Plumbing

These environments were outdoor tents that did not have access to plumbing.

Any point of need

Having a portable cart allows easy access.

Adaptable

Creating a cart that is flexible and can fit into any scenario or location.

Design Criteria

The sink cart should be an intuitive experience that can be placed in any environment that has curved surfaces and limited edges to prevent contamination.

Prototyping

I built a quick full scale prototype to get a better idea of the overall dimensions of the product as well as the ergonomics involved, including standing resting elbow height and standing eye height.

Ideation

I sketched out different forms and components that make up the sink cart that would be easily wipeable and intuitive for the user.

EnMotion

The enMotion Sink Cart includes an automatic soap, water, and paper towel dispenser as well as a step trash-can that creates a completely hands-free handwashing experience to combat the spread of HAI's.

How it works

The healthcare worker can release the break while using the handles to move the sink cart to the place of need. The icons for the soap, faucet, paper towel, and step trash-can allow for an intuitive experience to promote effective hand washing procedures as well as limit touching the sink.

1 Move to Designated Area

2 Dispense Soap

3 Rinse Hands