Locking Stabilizer for Catheter with Variable Gripper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indwelling catheters used for extended fluid transfer are prone to mechanical disturbances, leading to patient discomfort and potential catheter displacement or removal, as they are vulnerable to movement during drainage or infusion procedures.
Innovation Solution
A locking stabilizer system that includes an actuator and a gripper with variable gripping force, which can be adjusted to secure the catheter without direct contact with the wound, using filaments, a resilient tube, or a gear mechanism, and can be adapted to different catheter sizes and skin barriers for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking stabilizer applies direct contact to the wound to secure the catheter, then the catheter stability is improved, but the infection risk and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a locking stabilizer as an intermediary device that contacts the catheter rather than the wound. The stabilizer includes a gripper mechanism with filaments that engage the catheter shaft, transferring stabilization forces away from the wound site. This mediator approach allows secure catheter fixation while maintaining wound integrity and reducing infection risk.
2Reliability
If the gripper exerts strong gripping force to prevent catheter movement, then the catheter stability is improved, but the risk of catheter damage or patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper mechanism employs dynamic filaments that can twist and rotate, allowing the gripping force to be applied gradually and adjusted according to catheter size and patient tolerance. The filaments transition between twisted and untwisted states, enabling variable grip strength that prevents both catheter displacement and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the filament configuration, where the angle and twist of filaments can be adjusted to modify gripping force. By changing the physical parameters of the gripper engagement, the system achieves optimal stabilization without excessive force that could damage the catheter or cause patient discomfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the locking stabilizer is designed to accommodate different catheter sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking stabilizer employs a universal gripper design with multiple filaments that can adapt to various catheter diameters through a single device structure. The filaments are arranged to engage different sized catheters without requiring multiple specialized components, achieving multi-functionality while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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
Effectively reduces the risk of catheter displacement and patient discomfort by providing a secure, adjustable grip on the catheter, allowing for stable fluid transfer over extended periods without compromising catheter function or increasing infection risk.
Implementation Method 1
base includes an adhesive layer and a release layer that, when peeled off, exposes the adhesive layer, thereby enabling the locking stabilizer to adhere to a skin barrier
Implementation Method 2
the gripper includes a resilient tube that transitions between a first state, in which the tube exerts the gripping force on the catheter, and a second state, in which the tube releases the gripping force from the catheter
Data Source
AI summary
A locking stabilizer for inhibiting movement of an indwelling catheter includes an actuator having an actuator opening for receiving the catheter into the stabilizer, a base having a base opening through which the catheter exits the locking stabilizer, and a torque-actuated gripper between the cover and the base. The torque-actuated gripper exerts exert a variable gripping force on a section of the catheter, the section extending between the base and the cover. The actuator is operable to cause the grip to transition between exerting the gripping force and releasing the gripping force.