Breathing Tube Securing Strip with Hook-Loop Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing breathing tubes to infants' heads are tedious, laborious, and time-consuming, particularly in healthcare settings where efficiency is crucial, and often require makeshift solutions like safety pins and rubber bands.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a strip of material with attachment members and a strap system that wraps around a tube, using hooks and loops for secure engagement with a strap member, providing 360-degree retention and preventing slippage, and is designed to be ergonomic and efficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional adhesive tape is used to secure tubing to the patient, then the tube can be secured in position, but the method becomes time-consuming and laborious, especially for infants
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the securement function into multiple attachment members (first, second, and third attachment members) positioned at different locations on the strip of material. Each attachment member independently engages with the strap member, distributing the securing function across multiple points rather than relying on a single adhesive application, thereby reducing the time and labor required while maintaining reliable tube positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The strip of material serves as an intermediary component that combines multiple attachment members and integrates them with the strap member. This intermediary structure allows the tube to be secured through the coordinated action of multiple attachment points on a single integrated component, reducing the overall time required compared to traditional multi-step adhesive methods
2Adaptability or versatility
If straps are wrapped around the infant's head with head gear, then the tubes can move with the infant's head movements, but the attachment process becomes tedious and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the functions of the head gear and tube securement into a single integrated system. The strip of material with multiple attachment members is designed to work in conjunction with the strap member that is already wrapped around the infant's head, combining the head-gear function with the tube-securing function to maintain adaptability while simplifying the attachment process
Solution Approach 2:
The strap member is designed to be wrapped around the infant's head in advance, establishing the foundational structure before the tube securement is completed. The attachment members on the strip of material are positioned to engage with this pre-established strap structure, allowing the tube to be secured without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the attachment process
3Productivity
If makeshift methods using safety pins and rubber bands are used, then the tube can be stabilized quickly, but the securement is not reliable and requires frequent adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment members are designed with curved or rounded engagement surfaces that conform to the shape of the tube and strap member. This curved geometry allows for reliable engagement and distribution of forces around the tube perimeter, providing both quick stabilization and consistent reliability without the need for frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes a composite structure combining the strip of material with multiple attachment members that have different material properties. The strip provides flexibility and comfort against the infant's skin, while the attachment members provide secure mechanical engagement with the strap member, achieving both quick application and reliable stabilization simultaneously
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 device securely positions tubes with ease, reducing labor and time required for attachment, while preventing slippage and ensuring proper positioning, thus addressing the inefficiencies of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The strip of material is configured to wrap around a tube with the first, second, and third attachment members releasably engaging a strap member to secure a tube in position relative to the strap member
Implementation Method 2
The first surface of the strip of material defines a tacky anti-slip or sticky configuration to facilitate retention of the tube
Implementation Method 3
The first, second, and/or third attachment members include an array of hooks configured to releasably engage an array of loops
Data Source
AI summary
A device for securing a tube in position includes a strip of material and first, second, and third attachment members. The strip of material defines a first surface and a second, opposed surface. The strip of material further includes first and second end portions, and an intermediate portion. The first and second attachment members are disposed on the first surface of the strip of material and positioned adjacent the respective first and second end portions. The third attachment member is disposed on the second surface of the strip of material and is positioned adjacent the intermediate portion. The strip of material is configured to wrap around a tube with the first, second, and third attachment members releasably engaging a strap member to secure the tube in position.