Catheter Dispensing Control with Asymmetric Locking Orifice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter movement control devices, such as those with oval orifices, fail to effectively resist the return of the catheter into the packaging due to the locking ring rotating into a position of least resistance, leading to loss of control during catheter insertion and removal.
Innovation Solution
A catheter movement control device featuring a main body with a hingedly attached locking member and an oblong orifice, where the major axis of the orifice is fixedly oriented nearly parallel to the pivot axis, allowing controlled dispensing and preventing the catheter from being pushed back into the packaging by pivoting into a misaligned position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking ring with an oval orifice is used to control catheter movement, then the catheter can be dispensed from the packaging, but the locking ring rotates into a position of least resistance causing loss of control and inability to prevent return of the catheter
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member features an oblong orifice with its major axis oriented nearly parallel to the pivot axis, creating an asymmetric geometry that prevents rotation into a least-resistance position. This asymmetric design ensures that the catheter engages the orifice in a specific orientation that maintains resistance during both dispensing and prevention of return movement
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with the oblong orifice in a specific rotational orientation before use. The major axis of the oblong orifice is fixedly oriented nearly parallel with the pivot axis, so that when the catheter is inserted, it automatically engages the orifice in the correct alignment for controlled dispensing without requiring user adjustment during the procedure
2Ease of operation
If the locking ring is free to rotate within the passage, then the catheter can pass through during insertion, but the ring quickly rotates to provide a path of least resistance resulting in loss of resistance to movement in the opposite direction
Solution Approach 1:
The oblong orifice with major axis parallel to the pivot axis creates an asymmetric engagement that eliminates the least-resistance rotation problem. The catheter's interaction with the oblong orifice maintains a consistent resistance profile in both directions, preventing the locking member from rotating to a problematic orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to pivot dynamically during catheter insertion to accommodate the catheter's passage, while the fixed orientation of the major axis relative to the pivot axis ensures that the dynamic movement does not result in loss of resistance. The system adapts to the catheter's insertion while maintaining control
3Adaptability or versatility
If a plastic bag packaging is used to retain the catheter, then the funnel end can be retained in the package for manipulation, but manipulating a slippery catheter through the plastic bag is difficult even for someone with excellent dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member with the oblong orifice serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the slippery catheter. Instead of directly manipulating the catheter through the plastic bag, the user manipulates the locking member which controls catheter dispensing, eliminating the difficulty of handling the slippery catheter directly
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the flexible plastic bag packaging but introduces a rigid locking member with precise geometry (oblong orifice) that provides mechanical control. The flexible packaging allows the rigid locking mechanism to function while maintaining the benefits of sealed, sterile delivery
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter movement control device and packaged catheter equipped with the catheter movement control device. The catheter movement control device includes a main body defining a passageway and a locking member with an oblong orifice hingedly attached to the main body. The locking member pivots about a pivot axis and is rotationally secured to the main body so that the major axis of the oblong orifice is fixedly oriented nearly parallel with the pivot axis. The locking member is pivotable about the pivot axis relative to the main body as between a first position wherein the orifice is aligned with the passageway, and a second position wherein the orifice is misaligned with the passageway.