Compact Intermittent Urinary Catheter With Elastic Package
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intermittent urinary catheters are bulky and difficult to use, especially for patients with limited dexterity, as they require assembly and have separate drainage tubes that complicate storage and transport.
Innovation Solution
A compact, longitudinally compacted elastic package that houses a fully assembled intermittent urinary catheter, which can be easily opened to reveal the catheter and used as a drainage tube, featuring a design with aligned longitudinal ends, a lubricating medium, and biasing means to facilitate easy handling and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the catheter is packaged in an elongated condition to maintain its functional length, then the catheter can perform its drainage function, but it requires a considerable amount of storage space and is difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is nested within the collapsed package structure itself. The package when collapsed forms a compact configuration where the catheter is contained within the folded or coiled package walls, eliminating the need for a separate storage container and reducing overall volume while maintaining catheter length for function
Solution Approach 2:
The package transitions dynamically between a collapsed compact state for storage and transport, and an expanded functional state for use. This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to serve dual purposes: compact storage container and full-length catheter delivery system
2Volume of moving object
If the catheter is provided in short sections to be assembled at the time of use, then the storage space is reduced, but users with limited dexterity find it difficult to assemble and may still need separate drainage tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is pre-assembled in its entirety within the package before use. The package structure itself is prepared in advance to contain the complete catheter assembly, eliminating the need for users to perform assembly operations at the time of use. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by providing both compact storage and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The package serves multiple functions: it is the storage container, the delivery mechanism, and potentially part of the drainage system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate drainage tubes and simplifies the overall system while maintaining compact storage
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 solution provides a compact, easy-to-use intermittent urinary catheter system that is self-contained, reducing storage space requirements and simplifying the insertion and drainage processes, making it suitable for patients with limited dexterity and improving mobility.
Implementation Method 1
The longitudinally extending receiving chamber is sized and configured when the package is in its open extended state to slidably receive a longitudinally elongated intermittent urinary catheter so that the lubricating medium coats the catheter exterior
Implementation Method 2
The package is longitudinally compacted and elastic and has an open extended state and a closed compacted state
Data Source
AI summary
A compact packaged intermittent urinary catheter having a longitudinally elongated intermittent urinary catheter retained within a longitudinally compacted elastic package. A method of using the catheter wherein at least a portion of the package is used as a drainage tube for the catheter. A package for an intermittent urinary catheter including a longitudinally compacted elastic package having a longitudinally extending receiving chamber containing a lubricating medium. The package having two longitudinal ends that may be removed to open the package and enable conversion of the package from a compacted state to an extended state. A method of using the package as a clean handling sleeve through which an intermittent urinary catheter may be passed to coat it with a lubricating medium.