Catheter Coupling Jaw Deformation and Snap-In Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter couplings are complex to use and prone to accidental insertion of short catheter end sections, leading to potential faulty operations due to undesired deformation during snap-in locking.
Innovation Solution
A catheter coupling design featuring a tubing with two jaws interconnected via a joint, where one jaw forms part of the base body with protective webs and a recessed configuration to prevent deformation, allowing for secure accommodation of catheter end sections with a predefined closing force and reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the catheter coupling uses a conventional design without protective webs, then the structure is simpler, but the tubing is vulnerable to undesired deformation when the jaw joint is folded out
Solution Approach 1:
The protective webs are integrated directly into the base body jaw as an integral structure, merging the protective function with the structural component. This eliminates the need for separate protective elements while providing deformation protection for the tubing when the jaw joint is folded out
Solution Approach 2:
The base body jaw is segmented into functional regions including the protective webs that extend into the channel. These segmented structures provide targeted protection at critical locations without requiring a complete redesign of the entire coupling mechanism
2Ease of operation
If the snap-in locking member is rigidly fixed to the head section, then the structure is more stable, but the head section cannot move relative to the snap-in locking member during jaw pivoting, causing deformation and faulty operation
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-in locking member is designed with relative movement capability between the head section and the locking member itself. This dynamic arrangement allows the head section to move during jaw pivoting while maintaining proper snap-in locking function, preventing both deformation and faulty operation
Solution Approach 2:
A recess is introduced as an intermediary space between the head section and the snap-in locking member. This recess accommodates the relative movement during jaw pivoting, acting as a buffer that prevents direct deformation of the locking mechanism while maintaining operational reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent components are used in the catheter coupling, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device becomes more complex and harder to use
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated structures: the protective webs are part of the base body jaw, the tubing is carried by the integrated jaw structure, and the snap-in locking mechanism is incorporated into the head section. This reduces the number of independent components while maintaining optimized functionality for each aspect
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
Facilitates easier and secure use by preventing accidental insertion and deformation, ensuring reliable snap-in locking and reducing the number of independent components, thus enhancing usability and stability.
Implementation Method 1
the snap-in locking device provides a predefined closing force even if such a pressure is exerted
Implementation Method 2
the tubing is deformed by at least one jaw deformation component to securely accommodate the catheter end section
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter coupling has a tubing and two jaws extending in the longitudinal direction of the tubing which form a channel having an orifice to accommodate an end section of a catheter when the jaws abut against each other. The jaws are interconnected at a respective jaw end via a jaw joint having a joint axis extending transversely to the tubing. The other jaw end includes a snap-in locking member and a counter snap-in locking member, respectively, interacting therewith to form a snap-in locking arrangement. In the engagement position, the tubing is deformed by at least one jaw deformation component to securely accommodate the catheter. The coupling has at least one inspection window that allows a stop in the tubing for the end section of the catheter to be visually inspected to prevent an end section of the catheter from being introduced into the tubing if it is too short.