Flexible Cannulated Tube Protector with Rotating Viewing Door
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravenous splint covers restrict patient movement, cause discomfort, and do not effectively prevent IV catheter bending or kinking, leading to potential infection and fluid flow issues during IV therapy.
Innovation Solution
A cannulated tube protector with a main body, securing members, and a splinting member featuring a rotatable viewing door, made of flexible materials, allows for patient mobility while securing the IV site and preventing catheter bending, using adhesives and fasteners for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid splint is used to secure the IV site, then the IV catheter is protected from bending and dislodgement, but patient mobility and comfort are significantly restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The splint cover is constructed from flexible materials such as foam, fabric, or elastic substances that can stretch and conform to the patient's extremity. This flexibility allows the patient to move their arm and hand while the splint cover maintains its protective function over the IV site, resolving the contradiction between IV security and patient mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The splint cover transitions from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic, adaptable structure that can accommodate movement. The flexible material allows the splint cover to dynamically adjust to changes in the patient's extremity position and shape during movement, maintaining both IV security and patient comfort.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the IV site is completely covered to protect it, then infection risk is reduced, but medical professionals cannot easily view the site for monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The splint cover incorporates a removable or openable window portion that segments the covering structure. This allows the window to be opened or removed when medical monitoring is needed, while the rest of the splint cover remains closed to protect the IV site from infection. The segmentation enables selective access without compromising overall protection.
3Reliability
If a rigid immobilizing device is used to prevent IV dislodgement, then the IV remains securely in place, but blood circulation and lymphatic flow are impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible material of the splint cover allows it to stretch and move with the patient's extremity, preventing the constriction and compression that would impede blood circulation and lymphatic flow. The flexibility ensures that the splint cover provides IV positioning stability without generating harmful compressive forces on the underlying tissues.
4Strength
If traditional splint materials (metal and plastic) are used, then structural strength is achieved, but patient comfort is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The splint cover uses composite materials combining foam, fabric, and elastic substances that together provide the necessary structural strength to protect the IV site while maintaining flexibility and comfort. The composite structure achieves strength through the combination of materials rather than relying on rigid components, thereby improving patient comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A cannulated tube protector comprising a main body, a first pair of securing members extending from the main body, a second pair of securing members extending from the main body, and a splinting member comprising a viewing door. The viewing door is structured to open thereby exposing a viewing aperture, defined as a doorway. The doorway extends from a first surface of the main body to an opposing second surface of the main body.