Nasal Cannula Holder with Marking Surface for Infection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nasal cannulas and other medical breathing devices are prone to contamination when not in use, as they are often placed on unclean surfaces or fall, increasing the risk of infection upon re-use.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a receptacle with a coupling element and a marking surface, designed to hold nasal cannulas or other medical equipment securely, preventing contact with unclean surfaces and allowing for easy identification of usage duration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If nasal cannula is placed on improvised locations (bed, chair, nightstand, equipment), then it is easily accessible and convenient, but it becomes contaminated and increases infection risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of placing nasal cannulaVSAvoidcontamination of nasal cannula

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (holder or pouch) between the nasal cannula and improvised surfaces. This mediator prevents direct contact between the cannula and contaminated surfaces while maintaining convenient placement. The holder/pouch acts as a protective barrier that allows the cannula to be stored in accessible locations without exposure to harmful contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If nasal cannula is placed in accessible locations, then it is easy to retrieve when needed, but it may accidentally fall and become contaminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of retrieving nasal cannulaVSAvoidrisk of accidental contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible pouch or holder structure that securely contains the nasal cannula. This flexible enclosure prevents the cannula from falling while remaining lightweight and adaptable to various placement surfaces. The pouch maintains the cannula in a protected state while allowing easy retrieval when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If nasal cannula is stored without protection, then storage is simple and requires no additional devices, but cleaning frequency increases and infection risk rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of storageVSAvoidfrequency of cleaning/sterilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder or pouch provides self-contained protection for the nasal cannula during storage. By enclosing the cannula in a dedicated holder, the system automatically prevents contamination without requiring active monitoring or frequent intervention. This reduces the need for repeated cleaning and sterilization cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12144928B2Cannula holders

Publication Date: 2024.11.19 INFECTION PREVENTION PROD

AI summary

Cannula holders for holding a nasal cannula are described. The cannula holders may also be configured to hold a CPAP mask, BIPAP mask, nebulizer mask, or any other piece of medical equipment. The cannula holders may be used to help prevent a nasal cannula from coming into contact with unclean surfaces when not in use, helping to keep the nasal cannula clean. The cannula holders may help prevent a nasal cannula from falling onto the floor or elsewhere when not in use. The cannula holders provide an alternative to placing or hanging a nasal cannula on equipment, furniture, or elsewhere.