Breakable Locking Coupling for Unauthorized IV Access Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intravenous catheters are vulnerable to unauthorized use for self-administering illicit drugs during medical infusion procedures, as they can be easily detached and reused by patients when medical personnel are not present.
Innovation Solution
A temporary catheter security device that encloses and locks the infusion catheter coupling using a breakable locking mechanism, allowing medical fluid infusion while preventing unauthorized access, and can be easily released after the infusion is completed by manually breaking the locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the IV catheter is left accessible for easy connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter assembly is divided into separate components: a secureable coupling device with locking mechanism, an IV catheter, and an infusion set. This segmentation allows the coupling device to provide security while maintaining ease of connection through standardized interfaces. The locking mechanism can be engaged or disengaged without affecting the catheter or infusion set themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary component between the IV catheter and the infusion set. It provides a secure connection interface that can be locked in place, preventing unauthorized access while allowing proper medical infusion to proceed. The intermediary design isolates the security function from the medical components.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the catheter coupling, then the security against unauthorized access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-latching once engaged. The spring-loaded lock automatically secures the coupling without requiring continuous manual intervention. This self-service characteristic reduces operational complexity while maintaining high security, as the mechanism maintains locking engagement through its own elastic energy storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device with locking mechanism is designed as a single-use or limited-use component. After the infusion is completed, the entire coupling device can be discarded, eliminating the need for complex cleaning or maintenance procedures. This disposable approach reduces overall system complexity while providing secure protection during the infusion period.
3Reliability
If the catheter coupling is enclosed and locked, then the security against unauthorized access is improved, but the ease of operation for legitimate infusion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted as a separate functional element from the catheter and infusion set. This allows the lock to provide security without interfering with the medical components. The standardized coupling interfaces can be connected and locked independently, maintaining ease of operation for legitimate infusion while preventing unauthorized access.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically based on operational needs. During infusion, the lock remains engaged to provide security. When infusion is completed, the mechanism can be easily disengaged to remove the coupling device. This dynamic state change allows the system to maintain security without permanently restricting operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A temporary catheter security device for temporarily locking an infusion catheter coupling while an infusion is in-progress. This catheter security device is designed to prevent, discourage, or detect unauthorized access to this catheter coupling. The catheter security device could have an enclosure design or a bag-type design. The catheter security device has openings where the infusion tubings exit. These openings are sufficiently wide to avoid obstruction of the fluid infusion.