Modular Catheter Adapter Interference Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device adapters lack the flexibility and versatility to modify or expand the configuration of catheters for specific procedural needs, limiting their functionality and requiring multiple inventory items to achieve various medical device variants.
Innovation Solution
A modular medical device catheter system with an adapter that includes a distal portion for modifying the catheter configuration and a proximal portion with a coil structure that provides an interference fit, allowing secure attachment and expansion to fit different medical devices, enabling multiple variants from fewer inventory items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-configuration catheters are used, then device reliability is maintained, but adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is divided into modular components: a base catheter and separate adapter modules. Each adapter can be attached to modify the catheter's configuration for specific procedures, allowing the system to adapt to different medical needs without requiring entirely different catheter designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter modules are designed to be universally compatible with the base catheter system while providing multiple functional configurations. A single adapter design can serve various procedural needs by modifying the catheter's distal end configuration, reducing the need for multiple specialized catheter types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized catheter variants are maintained in inventory, then adaptability is improved, but inventory complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple catheter variants are merged into a single base catheter design that can accept different adapter modules. This combining approach allows the hospital to maintain one base catheter in inventory rather than multiple specialized catheters, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining versatility through adapter attachment.
3Reliability
If adapters are designed for secure attachment, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simplified interface that achieves secure connection through geometric interlocking and elastic deformation. The adapter's distal portion deforms elastically to conform to the catheter's outer surface, creating a reliable attachment without requiring screws, clips, or complex locking mechanisms.
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 modular system provides flexibility for physicians to create specific catheter configurations and reduces inventory needs by allowing multiple variants to be constructed using fewer modules, enhancing procedural efficiency and inventory management.
Implementation Method 1
The proximal portion of the adapter is designed to provide an interference fit with an internal lumen of the medical device such that during subsequent use the adapter remains secure
Implementation Method 2
The adapter including geometry, mechanical and/or thermal properties to expeditiously attach to the medical device
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A modular medical device catheter system comprises a parent module and an adapter module. The adapter module is configured to engage an inner lumen of a distal end of the parent module to couple the adapter module with the parent module. The adapter module may comprise one or more slender elements, such as fibers or wires, extending proximally from a distal portion of the adapter module.