Reusable Urinary Catheter Storage Case with UV Sterilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reusable urinary catheters face challenges in storage, transport, and sterilization, limiting their widespread acceptance and use compared to disposable options.

Innovation Solution

A reusable urinary catheter product with a case that includes a body and re-closable cap, featuring a barrier allowing sterilizing light to pass between compartments, where the catheter is stored and a UV light source for sterilization, along with a hydration fluid to hydrate hydrophilic coatings, facilitating easy insertion and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If disposable catheters are used, then hygiene and convenience are improved, but waste generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehygieneVSAvoidwaste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter is designed for multiple uses with integrated storage and sterilization capabilities. After use, the catheter is placed in the storage case where UV-C light sterilizes it, allowing safe reuse and eliminating the need for disposable catheters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The storage case automatically sterilizes the catheter using UV-C light when the case is closed. This self-sterilization mechanism eliminates the need for external sterilization services or disposable replacements, enabling safe reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of substance

If reusable catheters are used, then waste is reduced, but sterilization challenges increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewasteVSAvoidsterilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage case combines multiple functions: storage, UV-C sterilization, and hydrophilic coating rehydration. This integration simplifies the overall system by eliminating separate sterilization equipment and processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sterilization systems (autoclaves, chemical sterilants) with UV-C light sterilization. This substitution simplifies the sterilization process while maintaining effectiveness for the catheter material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of substance

If reusable catheters are used, then cost is reduced, but storage and transport difficulties increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovewasteVSAvoidstorage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage case combines storage, sterilization, and hydration functions in a single portable unit. This integration makes the catheter ready for use immediately upon removal from the case, simplifying storage and transport logistics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The catheter is stored within the storage case, which contains the UV-C light source and hydration fluid reservoir. This nested arrangement compactly integrates all necessary components for storage, sterilization, and preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If UV-C light sterilization is used, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but material degradation risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization effectivenessVSAvoidmaterial integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The UV-C light source is positioned to illuminate only the catheter within the storage case, not the case materials themselves. This selective illumination achieves effective sterilization while avoiding unnecessary exposure of case materials to degrading UV radiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The storage case acts as an intermediary structure that protects its own materials from UV-C degradation while allowing the catheter to receive full sterilization exposure. The case design includes UV-resistant materials or shielding for its own protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables effective sterilization and reuse of urinary catheters, reducing waste and improving user convenience by integrating storage and sterilization in a single device, while maintaining hygiene and reducing bacterial attachment.

Implementation Method 1

a barrier that allows the passage of sterilizing light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission through barrier: Light

Implementation Method 2

A sterilizing light source is located in the second compartment, wherein sterilizing light emitted from the light source passes through the barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV sterilization: Light

Implementation Method 3

A hydrophilic coating is formed from a hydrophilic polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophilic effect: Hydrophile

Data Source

PatentEP4034178B1Reusable urinary catheter products

Publication Date: 2025.01.15 HOLLISTER INCORPORAED

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AI summary

Reusable catheter products are provided for storing, transporting, and sterilizing reusable urinary catheters.