Flexible Catheter Protector Sleeve with Waterproof Window

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional catheter protectors are bulky, inconvenient, and lack discretion and versatility for everyday life, failing to adequately protect the catheter site and surrounding environment outside of a hospital setting.

Innovation Solution

A flexible, elastic sleeve with an openable window and inflatable bands that provides waterproof protection, incorporates an antiseptic area, and includes a cutout pocket for the catheter, designed to fit seamlessly over the body, offering discretion and protection from water, dust, and contaminants while allowing easy access to the catheter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional rigid caps or large plasters are used as catheter protectors, then waterproofness and infection prevention are improved, but bulkiness and ease of movement deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewaterproofnessVSAvoidease of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible sleeve made of elastic material that conforms to the body contour, replacing rigid caps and large plasters. This flexible structure maintains waterproofness while enabling natural body movement and eliminating bulkiness, directly resolving the contradiction between protection reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If conventional loose envelopes or pockets are used as catheter protectors, then infection prevention is improved, but discretion and aesthetic appeal deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection preventionVSAvoiddiscretion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible sleeve provides a sleek, form-fitting appearance that is aesthetically appealing and discreet, unlike loose envelopes or pockets. It maintains infection prevention through its waterproof and protective properties while being visually unobtrusive, resolving the contradiction between reliability and discretion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional protectors are used that do not conform to body contours, then ease of manufacture is improved, but comfort and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability to body shapes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic flexible sleeve naturally conforms to various body contours and shapes without requiring complex customization or manufacturing processes. The material's inherent elasticity provides adaptability to different body shapes while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple production methods, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Stability of the object's composition

If conventional protectors lack flexibility, then structural stability is improved, but comfort and ease of movement deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible sleeve provides structural stability through its elastic properties and snug fit, while simultaneously enabling ease of movement by conforming to body dynamics. The material maintains its protective function during movement, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ease of movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The solution provides enhanced protection and discretion for catheter sites in everyday life, allowing users to engage in various activities without compromising catheter security or hygiene, while being aesthetically appealing and adaptable to different body shapes.

Implementation Method 1

each of the proximal band and the distal band being inflatable to press against the body member and provide waterproofness to the proximal end and to the distal end of the sleeve body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation:

Implementation Method 2

the openable window defining an openable contour portion being fastenable to the sleeve body by a waterproof fastener along the openable contour portion which is waterproof along a whole length thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaterproofing:

Data Source

PatentUS10918836B2Catheter protector

Publication Date: 2021.02.16 JUTRAS MONIQUE

AI summary

There is described a protective cover for a body member of a patient having a catheter inserted therein at a catheter insertion point. A sleeve wraps around the body part over the catheter, and comprises a sleeve body covering a substantial surface of the body member. The sleeve body is made of a material that is non-rigid and flexible, to adapt to the surface of the body member. An openable window covers and provides access to the catheter when the protective cover is worn, the openable window being openable with respect to the sleeve body and fastenable by a waterproof fastener. The inner surface of the openable window is for securing an antiseptic agent, wherein the inner surface of the openable window is applied onto the catheter insertion point when the openable window is closed. The protective cover is free of any rigid member.