Catheter Valve and Sensor for Real-Time Pressure Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intermittent urinary catheters lack a mechanism for real-time pressure measurement and fluid flow control, which complicates the self-catheterization process and does not provide feedback to users about bladder pressure, limiting convenience and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An intermittent urinary catheter assembly with a measuring system that includes a valve element and sensor to detect pressure changes, allowing for the measurement of pressure within the catheter and bladder, and a signal processing device for secure attachment to the catheter, enabling users to monitor pressure and fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a urinary catheter is used for intermittent catheterization, then urine drainage is achieved, but real-time pressure measurement and fluid flow control are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve element and sensor element into a single integrated measuring system that is detachably secured to the catheter. This merging approach enables pressure measurement and fluid flow control functions while maintaining a compact structure that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring system serves multiple functions: it measures pressure in the conduit, detects fluid flow rates, and provides real-time feedback to users. The valve element can switch between closed and open states based on pressure conditions, while the sensor element continuously monitors pressure changes, creating a multi-functional device that addresses several limitations simultaneously.
2Loss of information
If no pressure feedback mechanism is provided, then the catheter structure remains simple, but users lack information about bladder pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element continuously measures pressure changes in the conduit and provides real-time feedback to users about bladder pressure conditions. This feedback mechanism enables users to monitor pressure levels during catheterization, improving their understanding of bladder status while the measuring system remains a relatively simple add-on component.
3Ease of operation
If manual monitoring of fluid flow is used, then the device remains simple, but convenience and effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve element automatically switches between closed and open states in response to pressure changes detected by the sensor element, enabling self-regulating fluid flow control. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual monitoring and adjustment, significantly improving ease of operation while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple through automatic pressure-responsive operation.
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 users to determine bladder pressure and fluid flow rates accurately, enhancing the convenience and effectiveness of intermittent catheterization by providing real-time feedback and allowing for repeated measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a cut-off element configured to switch from a closed state disabling liquid flow in the conduit to an open state enabling liquid flow in the conduit in response to a pressure applied to the cut-off element by liquid in the conduit
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor element configured to measure a parameter indicative of the pressure applied to the cut-off element when the cut-off element switches from the closed state to the open state
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An intermittent urinary catheterisation assembly (1) comprising an intermittent urinary catheter (3) comprising a conduit (11) extending longitudinally within the tube. The assembly further comprises a measuring system (4) configured to measure at least a pressure in the conduit and/or in a space in communication with the conduit. The measuring system comprises at least one valve element (37) in fluid communication with the conduit when the signal processing device is secured in relation to the intermittent urinary catheter. A cut-off element (41) configured to switch from a closed state to an open state. The measuring system further comprises at least one sensor element configured to measure a parameter indicative of the pressure applied to the cut-off element when the cut-off element switches from the closed state to the open state.