Catheter Tray with Segmented Compartments for Compact Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional packaging for flexible medical devices like catheters is inadequate, as it often leads to damage during shipment, storage, and use, and occupies excessive space, making it difficult to deploy effectively during medical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A compact, compartmentalized tray designed to accommodate catheters and related devices, featuring a contoured surface with inclined compartments and barriers to organize and protect syringes, lubricants, and specimen jars, reducing the risk of damage and optimizing storage and deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a universal tray with contoured loops is used to accommodate multiple catheter sizes, then versatility is improved, but storage space efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of multiple catheter sizesVSAvoidstorage space occupied

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tray is divided into multiple compartments, each designed to accommodate specific catheter sizes. This segmentation allows the tray to efficiently organize different sized catheters without requiring excessive space, as each compartment is optimized for its intended purpose rather than using a single universal space for all sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the tray are designed with different characteristics - some compartments have contoured loops for smaller catheters, while others have more space for larger catheters. This local differentiation allows the tray to adapt to various catheter sizes while maintaining compact overall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a universal tray with contoured loops is used to accommodate multiple catheter sizes, then adaptability is improved, but workspace occupancy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of multiple catheter sizesVSAvoidworkspace occupied

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The tray's segmented compartment design allows it to maintain a compact footprint while providing specialized spaces for different catheter sizes. This segmentation enables the tray to be space-efficient on the workspace while still offering the adaptability to hold various catheter types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tray is designed as a multi-functional unit where a single compact structure serves multiple purposes - accommodating different catheter sizes, organizing associated supplies, and maintaining sterility. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate trays, thereby reducing overall workspace occupancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional individual packaging with card and plastic wrap is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but protection against damage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging simplicityVSAvoidprotection against bending and kinking

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tray provides a rigid protective structure that cushions and supports the catheter before it is exposed to potential damage during use. The contoured loops and compartments are designed to cradle the catheter, preventing bending and kinking that could occur with simpler packaging during shipping and handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

While maintaining structural rigidity for protection, the tray incorporates flexible elements such as contoured loops that can adapt to the catheter's shape. This combination of rigid protection with flexible accommodation ensures the catheter is protected from damage while still allowing for proper positioning and handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Volume of moving object

If catheters are shipped in coiled configuration, then storage efficiency is improved, but ease of deployment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space efficiencyVSAvoiduncoiling and deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tray is prepared in advance with pre-formed compartments and contoured loops that guide the catheter into its proper configuration. When the catheter is placed in the tray, it is automatically positioned and supported in a manner that facilitates easy uncoiling and deployment, eliminating the need for manual manipulation that could cause damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The contoured loops and curved surfaces in the tray are designed to match the natural coiled configuration of the catheter. These curved elements guide the catheter as it transitions from coiled storage to deployed state, making the uncoiling process smoother and reducing the risk of kinking or damage during deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS20240343429A1Catheter Tray, Packaging System, Instruction Insert, and Associated Methods

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 MEDLINE INDUSTRIES

AI summary

A tray (100) for accommodating a coiled medical device, such as a catheter assembly (700), includes a first compartment (101), a second compartment (102), and a third compartment (103). The catheter assembly (700) and devices associated with a catheterization procedure, such as syringes (701,702) containing sterile water and lubricating jelly and a specimen container (703) can be disposed within the tray. Printed instructions (1001) can be included with the tray (100). One or more layers of wrap material (2200) can be folded about the tray (100) to enclose the tray (100) and other items, such as an additional layer of wrap material (2701), packaged liquid hand sanitizer (2401), and packaged gloves (2402). When a health care services provider (3101) unfolds the wrap material, the same can be used to create a sterile field beneath a patient (3201).