Expandable Catheter Support Frame for Anti-Buckling Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-buckling devices for catheters are costly due to complex structures requiring multiple components and increased assembly time, and often need to be disposed of after each procedure as they must be placed within the sterile field.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a support frame with multiple pairs of support members that can reversibly move from a collapsed to an expanded configuration, featuring open channels for top-loading the catheter and maintaining axial alignment during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex anti-buckling structures with multiple components are used, then buckling prevention effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is divided into multiple pairs of support members that can move independently, allowing each segment to contribute to buckling prevention while maintaining overall structural simplicity. This segmentation enables the frame to provide effective support without requiring a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are designed to reversibly move between collapsed and expanded configurations, transforming the static structure into a dynamic one. This dynamic capability allows the frame to adapt during catheter insertion while maintaining simplicity in its fundamental design, avoiding the need for complex fixed structures.
2Reliability
If anti-buckling devices are placed within the sterile field, then buckling prevention during catheter insertion is improved, but device disposal requirements increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame acts as an intermediary device that provides buckling prevention functionality without requiring placement within the sterile field. By positioning the frame externally and using channels that interface with the catheter, the system achieves its protective function while allowing the frame itself to remain outside the sterile boundary, eliminating disposal requirements.
3Strength
If multiple pairs of support members are used, then buckling resistance is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pairs of support members are merged into a single integrated support frame structure. This combining approach allows the multiple support elements to work together as one unified device, providing enhanced buckling resistance while simplifying assembly compared to separate components. The frame integrates all support members into a single assembly unit.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the support frame is made expandable, then catheter insertion flexibility is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed to nest within each other when in the collapsed configuration, similar to a nested doll structure. This nesting mechanism allows the expandable frame to achieve configuration flexibility while maintaining structural simplicity in its compact state. The nested arrangement eliminates the need for complex extension mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided for preventing buckling of a flexible elongate member during insertion of the flexible elongate member. The device includes a support frame comprising a first end, a second end, and multiple pairs of support members. The support frame is configured to reversibly move from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration when the first and second ends are moved away from each other. The device also includes multiple open channels coupled to the multiple pairs of support members of the support frame. The multiple open channels are configured to allow the flexible elongate member to be top loaded into the multiple open channels. Also, the multiple open channels are maintained in an axial alignment as the support frame is moved between the expanded and collapsed configurations.