Catheter Drainage Member Welding for Strong Fluid-Tight Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urinary catheters face challenges in achieving a strong and stable connection between the catheter tube and the drainage member, such as a funnel, which is crucial for effective urine drainage.
Innovation Solution
The catheter tube and drainage member are ultrasonically welded at one or more sites near windows in the drainage member, combined with a mechanical interference fit and optionally a sleeve for protection, to create a secure and fluid-tight bond.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional joining methods are used to attach the drainage member to the catheter tube, then the assembly process is simple, but the connection strength and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical joining methods (such as threading, clamping, or adhesive bonding) with ultrasonic welding, which uses high-frequency mechanical vibrations to create a strong molecular-level bond between the drainage member and catheter tube. This substitution provides superior connection strength while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic welding process utilizes phase transition principles where the high-frequency vibrations generate localized heat that melts the polymer materials at the interface, allowing them to fuse together. As the materials cool, they form a strong, stable connection that is superior to traditional mechanical joining methods.
2Strength
If the drainage member wall is made thick to provide structural strength, then structural integrity is improved, but ultrasonic welding effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating windows in the drainage member wall at specific locations where welding is required. The wall maintains its original thickness in non-welding areas to preserve structural integrity, while the window regions provide localized access for ultrasonic welding tools to achieve reliable bonds with the catheter tube.
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
This method enhances the stability and reliability of the connection between the catheter tube and drainage member, ensuring effective urine drainage and ease of handling.
Implementation Method 1
The catheter tube and drainage member are ultrasonically welded at one or more welding sites in the vicinity of the window(s)
Implementation Method 2
The catheter tube and drainage member are ultrasonically welded at one or more welding sites
Data Source
AI summary
A urinary catheter is disclosed. The urinary catheter comprises a catheter tube having a proximal insertion end and a distal end. The catheter also comprises a drainage member. The drainage member includes a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a drainage lumen having an opening in a proximal end of the drainage member. The distal end of the catheter tube is inserted through the opening of the proximal end of the drainage member and is located in the lumen. The wall of the drainage member has at least one window therethrough. The drainage member and the catheter tube are welded to one another at one or more welding sites in the vicinity of the window(s).