Cannula Protective Cover Pivoting Handle Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing port cannulas with wing-like handles cause discomfort due to large skin irritation zones and require complex protective mechanisms that interfere with cannula usage.

Innovation Solution

A cannula arrangement featuring a channel-shaped protective device with a film hinge, allowing precise alignment and secure fixation of the distal section without hindering use, using latching means integrated with the handle to prevent unintentional pivoting and ensure secure coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the wings are dimensioned to cover the distal section (45 mm longitudinal extension), then the distal section is securely protected, but the contact area on the skin increases causing large irritation zones

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of distal sectionVSAvoidskin irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is segmented between two distinct components: the wings (36, 38) for securing the cannula during use, and the separate protective device (16) for covering the distal section after use. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective device (16) acts as an intermediary element that provides the protective function without requiring the wings to be oversized. It mediates between the need for protection and the need to minimize skin contact area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a separate protective device is introduced, then skin irritation is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin irritationVSAvoidprotective mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective device (16) serves multiple functions: it covers the distal section for protection, pivots about an axis to enable easy deployment, and incorporates latching means (74, 76) for secure fixation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective device is integrated with the handle (14) through the film hinge (40) and latching mechanism, combining the protective function with the existing handle structure rather than requiring a completely separate system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the protective device is fixed to the handle, then reliable protection is achieved, but the handling during piercing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure coverageVSAvoidalignment during piercing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective device (16) is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed: it can pivot about the film hinge (40) to allow easy access and alignment during the piercing procedure, and can be securely latched into position when protection is needed. This dynamic design provides both ease of operation and reliable protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution reduces skin irritation by optimizing wing dimensions and ensures reliable, interference-free protection of the cannula after use, allowing precise alignment and secure fixation without causing discomfort during use.

Implementation Method 1

a protective device (16) covering the distal section after use of the cannula, which is pivotably articulated on the handle and can be pivoted about an axis running perpendicular to the proximal cannula section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

the bottom wall has a first latching means (74), which is associated with a second latching means (76) present in the middle section (30) of the handle for latching the channel-shaped section (42)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2119462B1Cannula assembly
Publication Date: 2012.07.04 SFM MEDICAL DEVICES GMBH
  • EP2119462B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2119462B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2119462B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The cannula assembly (10) is provided with a pivoting protective cover (48) for the cannula (20). This is swung down into a protective position over the cannula following use of the cannula assembly. In novel design, the protective cover is fixed in a position extending along the center section of the handle when the cannula is in use. In this position, the base wall of the protective cover is fixed to the center section of the handle.