Design of a Mobile Medical Gas Supply and Diagnostic Unit

employer:

Simut (MFP)

Design of a Mobile Medical Gas Supply and Diagnostic Unit

The industrial design of the medical gas trolley presents an innovative solution for healthcare centers lacking access to centralized gas systems. This product is designed to operate independently, providing oxygen and vacuum functionalities without the need for hospital infrastructure. Equipped with an internal power supply, the trolley generates the necessary oxygen flow and suction power, playing a critical role in primary and emergency care.

The trolley includes integrated examination tools such as sphygmomanometers and various outlets, enabling healthcare professionals to conduct routine examinations and monitor patients’ basic conditions. This makes it possible to deliver essential medical services even in remote or underserved areas. Furthermore, optional modules like a vital signs monitor, ECG, or defibrillator can be added, making the unit highly adaptable to a wide range of clinical needs.

A key feature of the product is its modular design, which divides the unit into two main sections:

The main cabin, which houses technical components such as the motor, oxygen concentrator, and vacuum system. This part is mounted on a wheeled chassis and can be transported independently.
The control panel, which is mounted on the cabin and includes gas outlets, examination sets, vital sign monitors, and other accessories. It connects to the main unit through electrical and pneumatic connectors, simplifying assembly, maintenance, and repair.

Ergonomic principles were carefully applied in the design. The panel height, outlet positions, angles of access to examination sets, and monitor placement are optimized to ensure user comfort and efficiency, without the need for bending or strain. Handles are shaped according to hand anatomy to reduce wrist and back stress during transport. Smooth-rolling wheels and a reliable locking mechanism further enhance usability in clinical environments.

From an aesthetic perspective, the product’s design communicates safety and trust while maintaining a clean and organized visual appearance. Soft contours, rounded edges, polished surfaces, and a calm, professional color palette contribute to its medical-grade appeal. Neutral tones such as white are combined with subtle color accents—like medical blue or soft green—to evoke a sense of hygiene, calmness, and professionalism. Together, these design choices improve user experience and foster a positive interaction between the device and its operator—especially important in high-pressure medical settings.

Challenges of designing the product

Designing a Self-Sufficient Unit Independent from Central Gas Infrastructure
The trolley is capable of operating without centralized oxygen or vacuum systems, ideal for mobile or underserved clinical environments.
Integration of Multiple Medical Functions
Combines oxygen generation, vacuum suction, and diagnostic tools (examination set, sphygmomanometer, etc.) into a single compact unit.
Modular Architecture for Easy Transport and Assembly
Components are designed in separable modules to simplify logistics, maintenance, and functional upgrades.
Optimized Internal Layout for Compact and Portable Configuration
Efficient spatial arrangement of mechanical and medical components to maintain a small footprint.
Noise, Heat, and Vibration Management
Internal systems are engineered to minimize operational disturbances, enhancing patient and user comfort.
Ergonomic Placement of Outlets and Diagnostic Equipment
Controls and interfaces are positioned for natural reach and intuitive use by healthcare professionals of varying physical profiles.
Form Factor Suitable for Diverse Clinical Environments
The external shape and design language allow seamless use in hospitals, clinics, emergency rooms, or mobile health units.
Upgrade-Friendly Design for Optional Equipment Integration
Reserved interface zones and modular ports enable easy addition of optional tools like vital sign monitors, ECG, or defibrillators.
High Maneuverability with Stable Wheel-Based Mobility
Smooth-rolling medical-grade casters with secure locking mechanisms ensure reliable movement and positioning.
Aesthetic Quality Balanced with Technical Functionality
A clean and professional look is achieved through refined form, color palette, and surface treatments, reinforcing trust and usability.
Use of Durable, Washable, and Medical-Grade Materials
All external surfaces are resistant to disinfectants, corrosion, and physical damage common in clinical settings.
Fast Access to Serviceable Components
Interior modules are designed for tool-less or minimal-tool maintenance and repair access.
Compliance with Standard Hospital Access Dimensions
The trolley fits standard elevator sizes and hospital doorways, ensuring unimpeded mobility within healthcare facilities.

Properties of the final design

Independent operation from the central gas system through an integrated oxygen generator and vacuum unit, designed with industrial design principles to ensure reliability.
A modular product design structure featuring a main box and a detachable user interface panel for easy assembly and maintenance.
Capability to integrate optional medical devices such as vital signs monitors and defibrillators, enhancing the product’s versatility.
Optimized component layout based on industrial design ergonomics to enable intuitive use and quick access.
Ergonomic product design tailored for standing use by nurses and physicians in clinical environments.
Robust handles and smooth-rolling, lockable wheels designed to facilitate easy transport, reflecting user-centered industrial design.
Use of durable, hygienic, and washable materials aligned with product design standards for medical equipment.
Product design focused on portability and maneuverability within confined clinical spaces.
A clean, professional aesthetic developed through industrial design to harmonize with medical settings.
Maintenance-friendly product design providing straightforward access to internal components for repair and upkeep.
Designed for scalability and customization, allowing upgrades tailored to specific healthcare facility needs.
Effective ventilation and noise reduction engineered into the industrial design to support quiet operation in sensitive clinical environments.
Dimensions conforming to hospital transport standards and doorway clearances, ensuring seamless integration into medical workflows.