Catheter Tube Hub Integration on Core Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing catheter tubes do not efficiently integrate a proximal end connecting part, requiring repetitive positioning and separate installation after the tubes are severed, which complicates the production process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a core rod with alternating thick and thin portions, coated with multiple layers, where the proximal end connecting part is attached before severing, allowing for continuous production of catheter tubes with integrated hubs, reducing the need for repositioning and enhancing pushability and kink resistance through local reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the proximal end connecting part is attached after the catheter tube is severed, then each tube can be individually processed, but the production process becomes complex and requires repetitive positioning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The proximal end connecting part is attached to the continuous body before severing into individual tubes. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repetitive positioning operations after severing, as the connecting parts are already in place on each tube segment. The continuous body is severed at multiple positions simultaneously, and each severed tube retains its pre-attached connecting part, dramatically reducing manufacturing time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous body is divided into multiple individual tube segments at predetermined positions. By segmenting the continuous body after the proximal end connecting parts have been attached to the entire length, each individual tube receives its connecting part without requiring separate attachment operations. This segmentation approach maintains the benefits of continuous production while enabling individual tube processing.
2Productivity
If a continuous body of multiple catheter tubes is produced on the same core rod, then production efficiency increases, but the method requires integration of hub attachment into the continuous production process
Solution Approach 1:
The core rod serves multiple functions: it provides structural support during coating, acts as a positioning fixture for hub attachment, and enables simultaneous severing of multiple tubes. The coating apparatus and hub attachment mechanism are designed to work with the continuous body on the core rod, making the system universally applicable to produce multiple tubes efficiently in one operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple production operations are merged into a single continuous process: coating the continuous body, attaching proximal end connecting parts to the entire length, and severing into individual tubes all occur in sequence without removing the continuous body from the core rod. This merging of operations eliminates intermediate handling steps and maximizes production efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the core rod has alternating thick and thin portions, then catheter tubes with varying diameters can be produced, but the core rod design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The core rod is designed with alternating thick and thin portions to provide different diameters at specific locations. This local variation in core rod geometry enables the production of catheter tubes with varying diameters along their length. Each section of the continuous body conforms to the local core rod diameter, creating tubes with the desired diameter profile without requiring complex tooling changes.
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 enables efficient, simultaneous production of catheter tubes with integrated hubs, improving pushability and kink resistance by integrating the proximal end connecting part during the manufacturing process, reducing operational repetitions and enhancing the structural integrity of the catheter tubes.
Implementation Method 1
a covering body forming step in which the covering body is formed by coating the core rod with resin
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(A)~3(F)
AI summary
A method of producing a catheter tube allows a plurality of catheter tubes to be continuously produced using a common core rod, with a proximal end connecting part efficiently attached. The method involves: forming a tubular body on the core rod including an inner layer covering body and an outer layer covering body; attaching a proximal end connecting part, forming a cylindrically shaped hub to a proximal end of the catheter tube, to a radially outer side of the inner layer covering body and the outer layer covering body; severing a tubular continuous body obtained on the core rod is severed at a given position after the proximal end connecting part is attached to produce a plurality of single tubes, each of which is provided with one of the hubs; and removing the core rod from the single tube.