Huber Needle Dressing with Impact-Resistant Bubble

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a simple dressing solution that can maintain the antiseptic condition and protect the site of an implanted Huber needle assembly from inadvertent impacts while allowing the patient to be ambulatory for extended periods.

Innovation Solution

A dressing comprising two sections, one with a pad and a transparent bubble for housing the needle, and another section for covering the tubing and catheter, secured with adhesives or alternative closures like Zip-lock, to encase the Huber needle assembly in a sterile environment, including a rigid foam insert for impact protection and antimicrobial agents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional dressing is used for a Huber needle, then the needle site can be covered, but the dressing does not provide adequate protection against impacts and cannot maintain the assembly in a sterile condition for extended periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterile condition maintenanceVSAvoiddressing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dressing is divided into multiple functional sections: a first section with a transparent bubble and aperture for the needle housing, a second section for covering tubing and catheter, and optional foam inserts for impact protection. Each section performs a specific function while collectively maintaining sterility and protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dressing employs nested structures where the transparent bubble contains the needle housing, foam inserts are placed within the bubble for cushioning, and the second section envelops the first section to create a multi-layered protective system that maintains sterility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Duration of action of moving object

If the Huber needle remains embedded in the patient for several days, then long-term infusion therapy is enabled, but the site becomes vulnerable to contamination and accidental impacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle retention periodVSAvoidcontamination and impact risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Foam inserts are placed within the transparent bubble before the needle is embedded, creating a cushioning layer that protects the needle housing from accidental impacts. This preventive measure is built into the dressing structure before use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The dressing combines multiple materials with different properties: transparent plastic for the bubble (provides visibility and barrier), adhesive materials for securing, foam for impact absorption, and antimicrobial agents for contamination prevention. This composite approach addresses multiple harmful factors simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If the tubing and catheter are exposed, then the assembly is simple to apply, but the components are vulnerable to contamination and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedressing application simplicityVSAvoidprotection of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dressing is segmented into distinct sections: the first section covers the needle housing with a transparent bubble, while the second section specifically covers the tubing and catheter. This segmentation allows each component to be protected appropriately while maintaining overall simplicity of application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 dressing effectively maintains the site antiseptic, protects against impacts, and allows patients with implanted Huber needles to be mobile, ensuring the needle assembly remains sterile and secure for long-term infusion therapy.

Implementation Method 1

The pad is provided with a layer of adhesive on an underside for securing to the skin of a patient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a transparent bubble that is secured to the pad in alignment with the aperture to contain the housing of the Huber needle therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

an insert of rigid foam material that is disposed circumferentially within the bubble for cushioning the bubble against impact forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 4

The insert may also have an antimicrobial agent on a bottom surface that contacts a patient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial action: Preservative

Implementation Method 5

the pad includes a slit for passage of the tubing from the housing of the Huber needle to allow the tubing, catheter and closure clamp to be wound about the bubble and lay flat against the topside of the pad

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical passage:

Data Source

PatentUS10195400B2Dresssing

Publication Date: 2019.02.05 VAILLANCOURT MICHAEL J

AI summary

The dressing has a pad for adhesive securement to a patient that includes a bubble for covering over a housing of a Huber needle assembly embedded in the patient. A slit is formed in the pad to allow passage of the tubing of the Huber needle assembly. In one embodiment, an insert of foam material is provided in the bubble to rigidify the bubble. A second section may also be provided for folding over the pad to encase the tubing, catheter and clamp of the Huber needle assembly.