Disposable Catheter Selective Degradation Inner Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-biodegradable catheters pose environmental concerns and disposal issues due to their slow degradation, leading to potential plumbing problems and discomfort when used by individuals with urinary system abnormalities, especially in public restrooms.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design featuring a shaft with an outer wall and inner core made from water-degradable materials, where the inner core dissolves faster than the outer wall, providing structural reinforcement and allowing for eco-friendly disposal in toilets or waste systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If non-biodegradable polymeric materials are used for catheter shaft, then structural strength and durability are improved, but environmental degradation time increases and disposal becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter shaft is constructed as a composite structure with an outer wall made of non-biodegradable polymeric material providing structural strength, and an inner core made of biodegradable material providing temporary reinforcement. This composite design allows the catheter to maintain strength during use while the inner core degrades over time, resolving the contradiction between durability and degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter shaft is segmented into two functional components: an outer wall for structural integrity and an inner core for temporary reinforcement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the outer wall provides lasting strength while the inner core degrades, enabling selective degradation without compromising overall structural requirements.
2Length of moving object
If catheter is made longer for male urinary catheterization, then anatomical coverage is improved, but disposal difficulty and plumbing clogging risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inner core uses biodegradable material that breaks down in water, allowing long male catheters to be disposed of by flushing without causing plumbing clogs. The degradation property of the inner core material specifically addresses the disposal difficulty associated with longer catheters.
3Reliability
If catheter is designed for single-use disposal, then hygiene and contamination risk are improved, but environmental impact and disposal inconvenience worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The biodegradable inner core reduces environmental impact by breaking down naturally, while the non-biodegradable outer wall maintains hygiene through single-use disposal. This composite approach allows the catheter to fulfill hygiene requirements while minimizing environmental harm through selective degradation of the inner core material.
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 catheter offers a convenient, discreet, and environmentally friendly disposal method by dissolving in water, reducing the risk of leakage and plumbing issues, while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Implementation Method 1
The inner core being constructed to dissolve at a faster rate than the outer wall
Data Source
AI summary
A flushable catheter having an outer wall defining an inner conduit and an inner core member positioned within the inner conduit. The inner core being made from flushable materials, which are preferably degradable water soluble materials such that the inner core degrades as urine or water pass through the inner conduit defined by the outer wall.