Catheter Port with Modular Adapter Pieces for Patient Size Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing port systems for catheters require multiple designs and sizes to accommodate patients of varying body mass and volume, leading to increased manufacturing and storage costs for hospitals due to the need for different ports for different patients.
Innovation Solution
A portable catheter system with a modular design featuring adapter pieces that can be attached to a housing to alter the port's size and shape, allowing a single port to be adapted for use in various patients by varying its height, length, and width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports of different sizes are designed for patients of varying body mass and volume, then the adaptability to different patients is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The port system is divided into a base housing and multiple detachable adapter pieces. Each adapter piece can be attached to the housing to modify the outer shape and size of the port. This segmentation allows a single base design to serve multiple patient sizes by combining with different adapters, reducing the need to manufacture entirely different port models for each patient category.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of adapter pieces. The same housing can be used with different adapters to create ports of varying sizes and shapes, making the base component multi-functional. This universality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple specialized housing designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports of different sizes are stocked for different patients, then the adaptability to different patients is improved, but the manufacturing and storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the port into a common housing and interchangeable adapter pieces, the manufacturing process can focus on producing a single standardized housing design. The adapter pieces are simpler components that can be manufactured in various sizes and then attached to the standard housing, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and storage requirements compared to stocking multiple complete port models.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution merges a universal housing design with multiple adapter options. Instead of manufacturing and storing completely different port models for each patient size, the system combines one standardized housing with various attachable adapters, reducing both manufacturing complexity and inventory storage needs while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the port size is increased for larger patients, then the adaptability to larger patients is improved, but the insertion difficulty into tight skin pockets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter pieces are designed as separate, attachable components that can be added to the housing only when needed. This allows the port to be inserted in its compact base form through tight skin pockets, and then the appropriate adapter is attached post-insertion to provide the necessary size for larger patients, separating the insertion requirement from the final size requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The port system transitions from a static, fixed-size design to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The adapter pieces can be attached or detached based on the patient's needs, allowing the port to adapt its size after insertion. This dynamic capability enables easy insertion through tight pockets while providing the option to increase size for larger patients when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A port (1) for a catheter comprises: a housing (10) having a base plate (12); a cavity (140) arranged in the housing (10) for receiving a fluid; a membrane (13) attached to the housing (10) and arranged on an opening (102) of the housing (10) for sealing the opening (102) such that the cavity (140) is enclosed in the housing (10) in a fluid-tight manner; and a connector (15) for connecting a catheter (2) to the housing (10) to provide a fluid connection between the cavity (140) and the catheter (2). The port (1) has an outer shape defined by the housing (10) and the membrane (13) attached to the housing (10). In addition at least one adapter piece (3, 4) is provided, the at least one adapter piece (3, 4) in a preassembly state being separate from the housing (10) and being attachable to the housing (10) to alter the outer shape of the port (1), wherein the port (1) is operational with or without the at least one adapter piece (3, 4) attached to the housing (10). In this way a port is provided which in a uniform manner may be used with different patients.