Endotracheal Tube Securement With Dual-Lock Position Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for securing and adjusting endotracheal tubes (ETT) in patients are imprecise, leading to frequent repositioning, patient instability, and potential accidental removal, which is stressful and costly.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with dual engagement mechanisms allows precise adjustment of an endotracheal tube by locking it in place using spring-loaded serrated teeth and rotatable caps, providing audible and haptic feedback for accurate positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional tape securement methods are used for endotracheal tubes, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and positioning accuracy deteriorate leading to frequent repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of securementVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The securement device is divided into multiple independent components: a housing, a tubular member, a first engagement mechanism, and a second engagement mechanism. Each component performs a specific function, allowing precise control over the endotracheal tube positioning while maintaining operational simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tubular member acts as an intermediary between the engagement mechanisms and the endotracheal tube. It receives the ETT and transmits the positioning control from the engagement mechanisms, enabling precise adjustment without directly manipulating the tube itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If manual ETT adjustment is performed without precise guidance, then procedural speed is improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate requiring repeated adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedural speedVSAvoidadjustment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded engagement members provide tactile feedback to the operator during adjustment. When the engagement member engages with the serrated teeth, the operator receives audible and haptic confirmation of precise positioning, eliminating the need for repeated adjustments and ensuring accuracy while maintaining procedural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If ETT repositioning is performed frequently to maintain proper positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but patient stability and reliability deteriorate due to procedural stress and risk of accidental removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpatient stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement mechanisms transition between locked and unlocked states dynamically. During positioning, the system allows controlled movement until the engagement members lock onto the serrated teeth, providing stable fixation. This dynamic capability enables precise initial positioning followed by reliable stabilization without requiring frequent repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The dual engagement mechanisms with serrated teeth provide preemptive securing of the endotracheal tube in the correct position. By locking the tube position before any potential displacement occurs, the system prevents accidental removal and maintains patient stability without needing frequent adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Measurement precision

If dual engagement mechanisms with spring-loaded serrated teeth are used, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second engagement mechanisms are integrated into a single housing structure that also contains the tubular member and opening. This merging of components reduces the overall number of separate parts while maintaining the dual engagement functionality, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the sophisticated positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 secure and precise positioning of endotracheal tubes, reducing the need for repeated adjustments and minimizing patient risk, while enhancing procedural efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

the first engagement mechanism comprises a first spring-loaded engagement member configured to engage the first set of serrated teeth; and the second engagement mechanism comprises a second spring-loaded engagement member configured to engage the second set of serrated teeth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20260041866A1Apparatus and methods for endotracheal tube securement and adjustment

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 BOARD OF RGT THE UNIV OF TEXAS SYST

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for securely positioning an endotracheal tube within a patient's airway and precisely adjusting the positioning of the endotracheal tube. In particular embodiments, an apparatus comprises a tubular member configured to receive an endotracheal tube, a housing comprising an opening configured to receive the tubular member, a first engagement mechanism coupled to the housing, and a second engagement mechanism coupled to the housing.