Urinary Catheter Tip Forming Method with Bulbous Necked Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for manufacturing urinary catheters are inefficient in forming a flexible tip that balances flexibility and structural integrity, particularly in creating a bulbous proximal end and a necked portion that transitions into a tubular section, while ensuring the necked portion is not overly flexible and maintaining a solid cross-section.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a tubular object made from polymeric plastic, where an indentation is formed using a shaping tool with protrusions, followed by cutting and heating to shape the proximal end into a bulbous and necked configuration, with eyelets and a connector added for urine drainage and connection, respectively, to create a flexible yet stable catheter tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the catheter tip is made highly flexible to improve comfort and ease of insertion, then the flexibility is improved, but the structural integrity and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter tip is designed with a bulbous proximal end and a necked portion that creates localized variations in flexibility. The bulbous end provides flexibility for comfort during insertion, while the necked portion maintains structural integrity. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between overall flexibility and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter tip is segmented into distinct functional zones: a bulbous proximal end for flexibility and comfort, a necked portion for transition, and a tubular section for structural support. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its local properties, providing flexibility where needed while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional manufacturing methods are used to form the catheter tip, then the process is simple, but the efficiency and precision in creating the bulbous proximal end and necked portion deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
An indentation is formed in the tubular object before the final shaping process. This preliminary action creates a pre-defined geometry that guides subsequent heating and shaping operations, enabling more efficient and precise formation of the bulbous proximal end and necked portion compared to traditional methods that form these features during the extrusion process itself.
3Ease of operation
If the catheter tip is made overly flexible to improve comfort, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the ability to maintain a solid cross-section and prevent excessive flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter tip incorporates a bulbous proximal end with higher flexibility for comfort during insertion, while the necked portion and tubular section maintain a solid cross-section for stability. This local differentiation ensures that flexibility is provided only where needed for ease of insertion, while the overall structure maintains its compositional stability.
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
This method enables the efficient production of urinary catheters with a flex-tip design that balances flexibility and structural integrity, ensuring effective urine drainage and easy connection, while maintaining a solid necked portion to prevent excessive flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
forming an indentation in the tubular object by using a shaping tool having a protrusion
Implementation Method 2
heating and shaping the proximal end of the tubular object to form a urinary catheter tip
Data Source
AI summary
A method for forming a urinary catheter tip on a tubular object is provided. Further methods of forming two tips positioned head-to-head are also provided. Methods for forming a urinary catheter is provided. A urinary catheter having a flex-tip and obtained by the methods is provided.