Barbed Stopcock and Clip Assembly for Unrestricted Drain Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pleural drainage devices face challenges with secure and airtight connections to suction devices, often requiring adapters and tape for securement, and commercially available stopcocks have restrictive internal diameters that limit flow, especially with large-bore drains.
Innovation Solution
A drainage system featuring a stopcock with 180-degree oriented barbed adapters and a securement clip design that allows for direct, secure connection of medical tubing without the need for multiple adapters, ensuring compatibility with various drain sizes and reducing the risk of bottlenecks and debris entrapment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current pleural drainage devices use conical hubs or luer-lock fittings, then connections can be made to suction devices, but adapters and tape are required for securement, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The stopcock hub is designed with a universal barbed adapter configuration that can directly accept multiple types of tubing (small-bore and large-bore drains) without requiring additional adapters. The barbed design provides both connection compatibility and mechanical securement in a single integrated feature, eliminating the need for separate adapters and tape.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the connection function and securement function into a single barbed adapter structure. The barbed portion simultaneously provides attachment compatibility with various tubing types and mechanical retention through the barbs, merging what were previously separate functions (connection + tape securement) into one integrated component.
2Productivity
If commercially available stopcocks are used with large-bore drains, then connections can be made, but restrictive internal diameters cause flow bottlenecks and debris entrapment
Solution Approach 1:
The barbed adapter is designed with a large internal diameter that matches or exceeds the diameter of large-bore drains, eliminating the flow restriction bottleneck present in conventional stopcocks. The internal geometry parameters are specifically optimized to maintain unimpeded flow and prevent debris entrapment while still providing effective barbed retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter features different internal diameter characteristics at different locations: a large internal diameter in the barbed portion to accommodate large-bore drains and maintain flow, and a appropriately sized connection interface for secure attachment. This localized optimization of dimensional parameters resolves both the flow restriction and securement requirements.
3Ease of operation
If friction fit connections are used between catheter hub and suction device, then simple connection is achieved, but secure and airtight connection is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The barbed adapter incorporates curved barbs that engage with the tubing through a combination of radial and axial forces. The barbed structure creates a mechanical interlock that maintains both simplicity of attachment and reliability of connection, eliminating the need for additional tape or complex locking mechanisms while ensuring secure and airtight attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A drainage system, including a stopcock and a clip. The stopcock includes a base and a barbed adapter extending from the base. The barbed adapter includes a shaft portion and a barbed portion. The clip includes a first grip and a second grip. The clip is configured to secure at least one tubing to the stopcock.