Binder Recoupling Medical Device Components During Reprocessing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recoupling medical device components during reprocessing, such as cable assemblies and intravenous devices, are prone to tangling and require additional steps for separation, as they rely on clips, wire ties, or tape that may fall off or need removal, leading to inefficiencies and increased handling complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method using a binder to recouple medical device components in a desired orientation, facilitated by a fixture and manifold system that applies the binder in a controlled manner to maintain component alignment and adhesion, eliminating the need for additional separation steps and reducing tangling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clips or wire ties are used to loosely connect strands during reprocessing, then the strands can be recoupled in the desired orientation, but the clips or wire ties may fall off during handling causing the strands to become tangled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a binder as an intermediary substance that chemically bonds strands together to form a secure connection. The binder acts as a mediator between strands, creating a permanent adhesive bond that replaces mechanical fasteners like clips or wire ties, thereby preventing them from falling off and causing tangling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (clips or wire ties) with a chemical bonding system (binder). This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical fasteners that can fall off, providing a more reliable connection that simplifies handling and prevents tangling of strands.
2Reliability
If clips or wire ties are used to recouple strands, then the strands can be held together, but an additional step of removing the clip or wire tie is required before use
Solution Approach 1:
The binder serves as a chemical intermediary that creates a permanent bond between strands, eliminating the need for removable mechanical fasteners. This allows the strands to remain connected through the entire process without requiring removal steps, thereby improving reprocessing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the removal step from the reprocessing workflow by using a binder that remains in place throughout. Unlike clips or wire ties that must be removed before use, the binder provides continuous connection without requiring any additional removal actions, streamlining the overall process.
3Reliability
If tape is used to loosely connect the tube and bag, then they can be recoupled in the desired orientation, but the tape may fall off or be inadvertently removed allowing separation
Solution Approach 1:
The binder acts as a chemical intermediary that creates a strong adhesive bond between the tube and bag, replacing the mechanical adhesion of tape. This chemical bonding provides superior reliability, preventing the connection from falling off or being inadvertently removed during handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tape connection system with a chemical binder system. This substitution provides a more reliable bond that cannot easily detach or be inadvertently removed, thereby reducing handling complexity and improving connection stability.
4Reliability
If tape is used to connect the tube and bag, then they can be held together, but an additional step of removing the tape is required before use
Solution Approach 1:
The binder serves as a permanent chemical intermediary that maintains the connection between tube and bag throughout the entire process. This eliminates the need for any removal steps, thereby improving reprocessing efficiency while maintaining reliable connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the tape removal step from the workflow by using a binder that remains in place permanently. This eliminates the additional operation required to remove tape before use, streamlining the reprocessing procedure and improving overall efficiency.
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 binder effectively keeps components aligned and adhered, preventing tangling and simplifying the reprocessing workflow by eliminating the need for additional separation steps, thereby enhancing efficiency and usability of the medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
The binder is applied to recouple the components in the desired orientation to return the components to the adhered condition
Data Source
AI summary
A method of recoupling components of a medical device in a desired orientation during reprocessing of the medical device. The method uses a binder to return the components to an adhered condition from a separated condition. The method comprises receiving the components of the medical device in the separated condition with the component spaced from the desired orientation. The components of the medical device are cleaned and arranged in the desired orientation. The binder is applied to recouple the components in the desired orientation to return the components to the adhered condition.