Force-Sensing Conduit Securement for Dislodgement Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conduit securement methods, such as adhesive tape, fail to provide adequate resistance to unplanned removal, particularly for mobile patients, leading to potential dislodgement and adverse clinical outcomes, and there is a need for improved securement devices that can detect and alert against excessive force applied to conduits.

Innovation Solution

A conduit securement device with elastically extendable straps and integrated force sensors that sense and resist longitudinal displacement, coupled with an alarm system to alert when force thresholds are exceeded, ensuring secure attachment and real-time monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If adhesive tape is used to secure a conduit to a patient, then the conduit can be easily attached and adapted to different types or diameters, but the pull resistance is limited and adhesion can be weakened by hair, sweat or other fluids

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidpull resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The securement device divides the conduit into multiple secured regions using separate straps (first strap around first region, second strap around second region), with each strap providing independent securement and collectively achieving high pull resistance while maintaining ease of attachment to different conduit types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines multiple materials and mechanisms: elastically extendable straps for flexibility and comfort, adhesive elements for attachment to skin, and mechanical fastening components (buckles, clips) for secure closure, creating a composite securement system that overcomes the limitations of single-material adhesive tape

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If a conduit is secured to a mobile patient, then the patient can move freely, but unplanned removal or dislodgement of the line becomes more likely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient mobilityVSAvoidconduit securement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The securement device incorporates elastically extendable straps that dynamically adapt to patient movement, allowing the conduit to be secured firmly when stationary while accommodating motion without causing dislodgement, thus maintaining both mobility and securement reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device includes force sensors that provide real-time feedback on forces applied to the conduit, with alarm systems that alert when threshold forces are detected, enabling timely intervention to prevent dislodgement while allowing normal patient movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If enuresis pads are used to detect dialysis line dislodgement, then patient alert is provided after dislodgement, but the detection is delayed and does not prevent the adverse outcome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedislodgement detectionVSAvoiddetection delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The force sensors continuously monitor forces on the conduit before dislodgement occurs, detecting abnormal forces that precede complete dislodgement, allowing early warning and intervention to prevent the adverse outcome rather than detecting only after dislodgement has occurred

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The real-time force monitoring and alarm system provides continuous feedback on conduit security status, immediately alerting patients and clinicians when forces approach dislodgement thresholds, eliminating the delayed detection inherent in post-dislodgement indicators like enuresis pads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 device enhances pull resistance and reduces the risk of conduit dislodgement by dynamically adjusting to forces, providing real-time alerts for potential dislodgement, thus improving patient safety and care quality.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastically extendable first strap coupled to the support portion and comprising a portion configured to attach around a first region of a conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one force sensor attached to a sensor portion of the device and configured to sense a force applied to the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250213823A1Conduit securement device comprising a force sensor

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 JAVELO HEALTH LTD

AI summary

A conduit securement device (50) comprising a support portion (52), at least one elastically extendable first strap (54) coupled to the support portion (52) and comprising a portion (54) configured to attach around a first region of a conduit, at least one force sensor (74) attached to a sensor portion (68) of the device (50) and configured to sense a force applied to the device (50) as a result of a force applied to the conduit, produce a force signal representative of the force applied to the device, determine when the force signal at least meets one or more thresholds and generate an alarm signal, and an alarm in communication with the force sensor (74) and configured to receive the alarm signal and issue an alarm. A medical system is also provided comprising a conduit securement device and at least one conduit secured to the device.