Indwelling Device Elastic Intermediate Member Curved Surface Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Indwelling devices struggle to maintain stability on curved body surfaces due to poor followability, leading to peeling issues over time, and existing solutions complicate the device structure and increase manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

The indwelling device incorporates a main body with a flat bottom surface and an intermediate member that can be elastically deformed, combined with a flexible attaching sheet and adhesive bodies to securely attach to the body surface, allowing for stable long-term indwelling without complex structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the main body has a flat bottom surface, then the device structure is simple, but the followability to curved body surface is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidfollowability to body surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into three functional segments: a rigid main body (case 20) for structural simplicity, a flexible intermediate member (50) for adaptation, and a sheet-like attaching member (42) for surface conformity. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the others.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate member (50) acts as a mediator between the rigid main body and the flexible attaching member. It has elastic pieces (54) that can deform to accommodate curved body surfaces while maintaining the structural integrity of the main body and the adhesive functionality of the attaching member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the case itself is deformed to follow curved body surface, then the followability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefollowability to body surfaceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into three functional segments: a rigid main body (case 20) for structural simplicity, a flexible intermediate member (50) for adaptation, and a sheet-like attaching member (42) for surface conformity. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the others.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate member (50) is designed as a thin, flexible component with elastic pieces (54) that can deform to follow curved body surfaces. This flexible element absorbs the adaptation requirement, allowing the main body to remain structurally simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the main body is attached to curved body surface, then the indwelling function is achieved, but peeling occurs over long period time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindwelling stabilityVSAvoidindwelling duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate member (50) with elastic pieces (54) provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing differential movements between the main body and the body surface. This prevents the adhesive forces from being compromised by mechanical stress, ensuring long-term attachment stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic pieces (54) of the intermediate member can change their physical state (deform) in response to body surface curvature and movement, maintaining optimal contact pressure and adhesive engagement throughout the indwelling period, thus preventing peeling over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables stable and long-term attachment of the indwelling device on curved body surfaces, reducing peeling risks and maintaining the indwelling state effectively, while keeping the device configuration simple and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

intermediate member (50), plate-like, can be elastically deformed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3944870B1Indwelling device
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 TERUMO KK
  • EP3944870B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3944870B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3944870B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An indwelling device includes a main body, a main-body-side attaching sheet, and a plate-shaped intermediate member that is configured to be elastically deformable and is stacked between the main body and the main-body-side attaching sheet. The intermediate member includes a base, and a central piece and an arm piece extending in parallel from the base. The intermediate member is fixed to the main-body-side attaching sheet from the base to the central piece, and is fixed to the main body from the base to the arm piece. The central piece is not fixed to the main body, and the arm piece is not fixed to the attaching member.