Annular Double Lumen Tube Coupling for Kink-Resistant Irrigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double lumen tube systems for medical applications, such as transanal irrigation catheters, face challenges with tube mating and connection issues due to the need for converters to change annular to parallel flow, which can be problematic for patients.

Innovation Solution

A flexible annular double lumen tube system with an interior flexible tube inside an exterior flexible tube, where the interior tube is free to move radially, coupled with a tube coupling system featuring end fittings and coupling components that allow for easy connection and fluid communication without radial connections, maintaining flow consistency and reducing kinking risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a converter is used to change annular flow to parallel flow for connecting irrigation catheter to tubes, then fluid communication is established, but patient discomfort and mating difficulties occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetube connection easeVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the converter component from the system by designing the irrigation catheter with an annular tube gap that directly receives and maintains fluid communication with the annular double lumen tube. This extraction eliminates the mating difficulties and patient discomfort associated with converters while preserving the necessary fluid communication pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The annular tube gap serves multiple functions: it provides fluid communication for irrigation liquid, maintains structural flexibility, and enables direct connection without additional components. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate converter devices, simplifying the overall system and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the interior flexible tube is free to move radially inside the exterior flexible tube, then flexibility and reduced kinking are achieved, but sustained fluid flow consistency may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetube flexibilityVSAvoidfluid flow consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible tube materials that allow radial movement of the interior tube while maintaining the integrity of the annular tube gap. The flexible shell structure accommodates movement without compromising fluid flow consistency, as the gap remains open and functional throughout the range of motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to be dynamic, allowing the interior tube to move radially in response to external forces while maintaining functional fluid communication. The annular gap adapts to the movement, ensuring sustained flow consistency despite changes in tube configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If converters are eliminated for direct annular connection, then tube coupling is simplified, but connection reliability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling system complexityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connection function directly into the annular tube gap structure, eliminating the need for separate converter components. This integration simplifies the coupling system while maintaining reliable fluid communication, as the direct annular-to-annular connection provides a stable and consistent fluid pathway without additional potential failure points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3765775B1A system comprising a flexible double lumen tube, a tube coupling system and an irrigation catheter having an expandable cuff

Publication Date: 2022.05.18 MBH INT AS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

A tube coupling system serves for providing annular flow through a flexible annular double lumen tube (3) between fluid reservoir(s) and flexible connection pieces (56,57) of an annular double lumen device (2). The tube coupling system has a first coupling component (4) and a second coupling component (6) and an end fitting system. The first coupling component (4) that has a female coupling part (11) and a male coupling part (12) adapted for coupling to a proximal end (5) of the flexible annular double lumen tube (3). The second coupling component (4) has a second interior pipe (31) that axially extends inside a second exterior pipe (32), a first end fitting (33) adapted for coupling to at least the female coupling part (11) of the first coupling component (4), and a second end fitting (34) adapted for coupling to any of the flexible annular double lumen tube (3) or the flexible connection pieces (56,57) of an annular double lumen device (2).