Catheter Support Structure Deflection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional catheter assemblies face challenges in supporting the catheter during puncture without increasing sliding resistance, making it difficult to insert and move the catheter effectively due to deflection issues.
Innovation Solution
A catheter assembly with a support structure that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the catheter at specific offset positions, deflecting it along the extending direction without clamping, to suppress deflection and reduce sliding resistance, allowing for easier movement during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the support structure portion strongly clamps the outer side of the catheter to suppress deflection, then the catheter stability is improved, but the sliding resistance increases making it difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure portion is designed to press the catheter at offset positions rather than clamping it strongly, changing the mechanical interaction parameter from high clamping force to gentle pressing force. This allows the catheter to be supported against deflection while maintaining sufficient sliding capability for user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure portion contacts the catheter at multiple offset positions along its extending direction rather than at a single clamping point. This segmentation of the support function across multiple positions provides distributed stability while reducing localized friction that would impede operation.
2Ease of operation
If the support structure portion is formed with clearance with respect to the catheter, then the catheter operability is improved, but the support effectiveness decreases when the catheter is manufactured within dimensional tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The offset positioning of the support structure portion creates a geometric relationship that ensures contact with the catheter's outer peripheral surface regardless of manufacturing variations. By pressing at offset positions rather than requiring precise alignment, the design maintains reliable support effectiveness across dimensional tolerances while preserving catheter operability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support structure portion presses the catheter at offset positions to deflect it, then the catheter deflection is suppressed, but the catheter shape changes
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure portion is designed to press the catheter at offset positions in advance of puncture, creating a controlled deflection that stabilizes the catheter during the puncture operation. The catheter is returned to its original linear shape after the puncture is complete, as the offset pressing provides temporary support only when needed.
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 support structure effectively suppresses catheter deflection during puncture and enhances user operability by reducing sliding resistance, enabling stable and smooth movement of the catheter.
Implementation Method 1
the support structure portion presses the catheter at the contact position without clamping the catheter at the contact position, and thereby deflects the catheter so that the catheter is curved along an extending direction
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter assembly includes: a catheter; a catheter hub fixed to the catheter; an inner needle inserted through the catheter; a grip that fixes and holds the inner needle; and a support structure portion that contacts an outer peripheral surface of the catheter at a contact position to support an outer side of the catheter in an assembled state. In the assembled state, the support structure portion presses the catheter at the contact position without clamping the catheter at the contact position, and thereby deflects the catheter so that the catheter is curved along an extending direction when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the extending direction.