Catheter Packaging Segmentation for Limited Dexterity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter packaging designs are difficult for patients with reduced or limited hand and arm function to use effectively, as they require direct physical contact or complex manipulation for insertion.
Innovation Solution
A packaged catheter assembly with an elongate sleeve made of two opposed sheets that can be easily opened by a pull tab, featuring a tubular body with textured gripping surfaces and a lubricant at the distal end, allowing for indirect engagement and insertion of the catheter shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional catheter packaging is designed to be opened by direct physical contact and manipulation, then the packaging provides adequate protection and containment, but it becomes difficult for patients with reduced or limited hand and arm function to use
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is divided into two separate sheets (first and second sheets) that can be independently manipulated and separated. This segmentation allows the packaging to be opened by pulling the sheets apart rather than requiring complex dexterity to open a sealed container, directly addressing the need for easier operation by patients with limited hand function.
Solution Approach 2:
The first sheet acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the catheter. The user manipulates the first sheet to open the packaging and access the catheter, rather than directly handling the catheter itself. This intermediary approach reduces the dexterity requirements for catheter insertion while maintaining sterile conditions.
2Reliability
If the catheter requires direct handling for insertion, then the insertion process is straightforward, but it increases the risk of trauma and infection for patients with limited dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The first sheet serves as a mediator that the user pulls to advance the catheter. This allows patients with limited dexterity to insert the catheter by pulling the sheet rather than directly manipulating the catheter tip, reducing the risk of trauma while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging design allows the catheter to be self-advanced through the second sheet when the first sheet is pulled. The mechanical action of pulling the first sheet automatically advances the catheter without requiring the user to directly handle or manipulate the catheter itself, reducing trauma risk while maintaining simplicity.
3Reliability
If the packaging uses complex sealing mechanisms to maintain sterility, then sterile protection is improved, but the opening process becomes more difficult for patients with reduced hand function
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is segmented into two separate sheets that are joined along edges but can be easily pulled apart. This segmentation provides sterile protection when closed while allowing simple opening by separation, avoiding complex sealing mechanisms that would require dexterous manipulation to open.
Solution Approach 2:
The two sheets are pre-positioned and joined in a way that allows easy separation along predetermined lines. This preliminary arrangement of the packaging structure enables sterile protection during storage while facilitating easy opening by simply pulling the sheets apart, without requiring complex opening actions.
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 more independent catheter insertion for users with limited dexterity by providing a simple, one-handed opening mechanism and textured gripping surfaces for secure handling, reducing the risk of trauma and infection.
Implementation Method 1
A packaged catheter assembly with an elongate sleeve made of two opposed sheets that can be easily opened by a pull tab, featuring a tubular body with textured gripping surfaces and a lubricant at the distal end
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a packaged catheter assembly (100) comprising: a catheter assembly (110) comprising a catheter shaft (111) and a catheter sleeve (112) mounted on the catheter shaft; and packaging (120) for the catheter assembly, in which the catheter assembly is packaged, wherein the packaging is openable from one end thereof and wherein the catheter sleeve is mounted on a distal end of the catheter shaft, and wherein the distal end (117) of the catheter shaft and the catheter sleeve are disposed at or towards the openable end of the packaging.