Flip-Open Catheter Package for Clean, Spill-Resistant Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter packages are wasteful, difficult to open, prone to premature opening, and lack intuitive use, while also risking contamination and spillage of hydrating mediums.
Innovation Solution
A catheter package with a flexible strap and tethered cap that securely holds the funnel exterior, allowing for easy opening and re-closure, and optionally includes a gel grommet for lubrication, along with features like ridges and tactile zones for improved grip and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional catheter packages are used, then the catheter is protected during transport and storage, but the packages are wasteful of material, difficult to open, and prone to premature opening
Solution Approach 1:
The package is divided into distinct functional components: a case for containment, a cap for sealing, and a strap for securing and opening. The strap is further segmented with a tear portion that separates from the case, enabling easy opening while maintaining package integrity during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap transitions from a static securing element to a dynamic opening mechanism. The flexible strap can be torn along a predetermined line to release the cap, transforming the package from a sealed state to an accessible state through a simple user action.
2Reliability
If traditional catheter packages are used, then the catheter is enclosed for protection, but the packages confuse users as to how to open them
Solution Approach 1:
The strap includes a visual indicator portion with distinctive coloring or patterning that draws user attention to the correct opening sequence. The tear portion is designed with visible features that guide users on where to apply force to open the package.
Solution Approach 2:
The package components are designed with distinct shapes and attachment points that intuitively suggest the opening sequence: the strap attaches to the case, secures the cap, and can be torn to release the cap in a logical progression.
3Reliability
If traditional catheter packages are used, then the catheter is sealed in the package, but the packages tend to spill the hydrating medium upon opening
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is pre-positioned to seal the catheter and hydrating medium within the case before use. The strap secures the cap in place, maintaining the seal during transport and storage. When opening, the user tears the strap and removes the cap as a unified action, preventing spillage that would occur with sequential opening of traditional packages.
4Volume of moving object
If compact packaging is used for discreet transport, then the package size is reduced, but the catheter may be damaged during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is pre-hydrated within the compact case before use. The hydrating medium is contained in a separate compartment that is opened simultaneously with the catheter package, allowing the catheter to be lubricated during removal without requiring additional space or time for separate hydration steps.
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 package is economical, reliable, and user-friendly, minimizing material waste, reducing contamination risk, and ensuring easy access to a lubricated catheter ready for use.
Implementation Method 1
When this coating is activated by contact with a hydrating medium, such as liquid water or water vapor, it becomes lubricious and provides an extremely low coefficient of friction surface
Implementation Method 2
Water vapor from the wick hydrates the catheter
Implementation Method 3
Catheter packages employing a wick are described in greater detail
Implementation Method 4
Another type of surface treatment is a gel-coated catheter in which a gel-lubricant is applied to the surface of the catheter
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter package includes an elongated case. A cap is attached to the case by a flexible strap. The case receives the tubing portion of a catheter. The catheter has a funnel attached to the tubing. The funnel has a seal portion releasably engageable with the case. The cap is releasably engageable with the funnel to retain the funnel in contact with the case. A user can flip the cap off the funnel to permit removal of the catheter from the case. The funnel may include ridges or a tactile ring to improve the user's grip on the funnel. An adaptor may be disposed between the funnel and case to allow mating of different cross sectional shapes of the funnel and case. A hydration device may be inserted in the case. Alternately, a tubular liner may be inserted in the case to separate liquid water on the outside of the liner from the catheter tubing on the inside of the liner. A window in the liner mounts a patch of filter material that permits the passage of water vapor into the interior of the liner.