Antimicrobial Nasal Cannula Storage Capsule Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nasal oxygen cannulas are prone to contamination when not in use, leading to increased risk of respiratory infections for patients, especially those with chronic respiratory diseases, due to environmental exposure and improper storage.

Innovation Solution

A protective storage capsule for nasal oxygen cannulas that can be slidably positioned on the support tubes, coated with an antimicrobial film or infused with antimicrobial particles, allowing the cannula to be folded and stored safely, reducing exposure to bacteria and debris.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the nasal cannula is removed from the patient and stored improperly (hung up or placed on the floor), then the patient can move about or have relief from the cannula, but the cannula becomes contaminated with bacteria and debris, increasing the risk of respiratory infection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of removing and storing cannulaVSAvoidbacterial contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The nasal cannula is inserted inside the protective storage capsule, with the cannula nested within the capsule's interior cavity. The capsule acts as a containing structure that holds the cannula in a protected state during storage and transport, preventing environmental contamination while maintaining easy access when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective storage capsule is constructed with flexible materials that allow it to conform to the cannula shape while providing a protective barrier. The flexible shell design enables the capsule to be compressed for storage and easily manipulated during use, while maintaining its protective function against bacterial contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If the protective storage capsule is coated with antimicrobial film or infused with antimicrobial particles, then the protection against bacterial contamination is enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against contaminationVSAvoidcapsule structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antimicrobial protection is applied locally to specific surfaces of the protective storage capsule that are most likely to contact the cannula or environmental contaminants. This targeted approach provides effective contamination protection while minimizing the overall complexity and cost compared to treating the entire capsule structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The protective storage capsule incorporates composite material structures, combining the base capsule material with antimicrobial coatings or infused particles. This composite approach enhances the protective functionality against bacterial contamination while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Volume of moving object

If the nasal cannula is folded or collapsed when stored in the protective capsule, then the storage efficiency and portability are improved, but the cannula may be damaged or deformed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidcannula structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The protective storage capsule provides cushioning protection before the cannula is subjected to folding or collapsing forces during storage. The capsule's interior structure and material properties absorb and distribute mechanical stresses, preventing damage to the cannula while allowing it to be compacted for efficient storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective storage capsule and cannula system is designed to be dynamic, allowing the cannula to transition between its operational extended state and its stored collapsed state. The capsule accommodates these transitions while maintaining protective forces that prevent permanent deformation or damage to the cannula structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The protective storage capsule effectively shields the nasal cannula from contamination, reducing the risk of respiratory infections and providing a convenient adjustment mechanism, thereby enhancing patient safety and reducing healthcare costs.

Implementation Method 1

The surfaces of the protective storage capsule may be coated with an antimicrobial film or may be infused with antimicrobial particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial action:

Data Source

PatentUS8746251B2Protective storage for a nasal cannula assembly

Publication Date: 2014.06.10 BESCH KURT

AI summary

A protective storage capsule is disclosed for a nasal cannula. The protective storage capsule may be used in conjunction with a nasal cannula assembly. The protective storage capsule includes a housing adapted to receive the nasal cannula and a cap to cover and protect the nasal cannula from dirt and debris when not being worn by a patient. The protective storage capsule slides along one or more of the support tubes of the nasal cannula assembly. The surfaces of the protective storage capsule may be treated with an antimicrobial film or be infused with antimicrobial nanoparticles.