Hydrophilic Catheter Shrink Wrap Fluid Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrophilic catheter assemblies are large, heavy, and costly to produce due to the need for substantial amounts of wetting fluid, which complicates sterilization, logistics, and makes them difficult for disabled users to use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A catheter assembly with a hydrophilic coating and a receptacle that encloses the wetting fluid, allowing direct contact over the entire length of the coated part, reducing the amount of wetting fluid needed and simplifying production, while using a shrinkable receptacle for compact packaging and easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a substantial amount of wetting fluid is provided in the catheter assembly, then adequate wetting of the hydrophilic surface is ensured, but the product becomes large, heavy, and expensive to produce and distribute
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is formed as a thin-film structure that directly contacts the hydrophilic coating, creating a narrow enclosure that minimizes wetting fluid volume while ensuring complete surface coverage. The thin-film receptacle collapses around the catheter during sterilization, eliminating the need for large fluid reservoirs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spatial parameter of the receptacle from a large-volume container to a narrow, tight-fitting enclosure that directly contacts the catheter surface. This parameter change reduces the wetting fluid volume from substantial amounts to only the minimum required for adequate coverage.
2Reliability
If a substantial amount of wetting fluid is provided in the catheter assembly, then proper wetting is ensured, but sterilization requires larger radiation doses and becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The thin-film receptacle can be completely collapsed around the catheter, creating a compact sterile package that requires minimal radiation dose for sterilization. The collapsed state eliminates air pockets and reduces the sterilization volume, simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the excess wetting fluid from the system, keeping only the minimum amount necessary for proper wetting. This extraction reduces the sterilization burden and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining adequate wetting functionality.
3Reliability
If a substantial amount of wetting fluid is provided in the catheter assembly, then adequate wetting is ensured, but logistics and distribution become more complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the receptacle from a large-volume to a narrow, collapsed configuration, the invention dramatically reduces the package size and weight. This parameter change simplifies logistics, storage, and distribution while ensuring adequate wetting through direct contact between the receptacle and hydrophilic surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is designed to collapse and nest tightly around the catheter, creating a compact nested structure that minimizes package volume. This nested configuration simplifies logistics and distribution while maintaining the functional integrity of the wetting system.
4Quantity of substance
If complex wetting procedures are used to move limited wetting fluid back and forth, then the amount of wetting fluid is reduced, but the wetting process becomes tedious and difficult for disabled users to perform
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is designed to automatically contact and wet the hydrophilic surface through its own structural configuration, eliminating the need for user manipulation or complex wetting procedures. The system serves itself by using the receptacle's direct contact with the catheter to distribute the minimal wetting fluid uniformly across the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is pre-configured to enclose and contact the hydrophilic surface before use, with the wetting fluid already in position. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the catheter is activated, the wetting occurs automatically without requiring user intervention or complex procedures.
5Weight of moving object
If the receptacle is made narrow to reduce wetting fluid amount, then product size and weight are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is formed as a flexible thin-film structure that can conform to the catheter surface, accommodating minor manufacturing variations. This flexibility compensates for spacing tolerances and reduces the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining the narrow enclosure design.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing it to adjust and conform to the catheter during assembly and sterilization. This dynamic characteristic enables the narrow receptacle design to tolerate manufacturing variations in spacing and alignment, reducing precision requirements.
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 results in a lean, lightweight product that is easier and less expensive to produce and distribute, with enhanced sterilization properties and improved usability, ensuring effective wetting with a minimal amount of wetting fluid.
Implementation Method 1
a catheter, at least a part of which is provided with a hydrophilic coating; a wetting fluid; and a receptacle enclosing the wetting fluid and at least the part of the catheter being provided with the hydrophilic coating
Implementation Method 2
a shrinkable receptacle for compact packaging and easy handling
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~4B
AI summary
A catheter assembly is disclosed, comprising a catheter (1), such as a urinary catheter, which at least a partly is provided with a hydrophilic coating (14). The catheter assembly further comprises a wetting fluid. The receptacle (2) is in direct contact with the hydrophilic coating of the catheter over essentially the entire length of the part of the catheter being provided with the hydrophilic coating. This may e.g. be achieved by using a shrink wrap material. In order to accomplish adequate wetting, channels (15,15',22,22') or the like may be provided on the inner surface of the receptacle or the outer surface of the catheter.