Locking Catheter Hub with Suture-Operated Self-Service Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drainage catheters face challenges with tamper-resistant structures, as some require external unlocking tools, while others are susceptible to inadvertent unlocking, posing risks of displacement and fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
A novel locking hub system is introduced, featuring a base and collar with mismatched tapered surfaces and screw threads, along with a resilient seal and locking mechanism, to securely lock a suture thread and prevent accidental unlocking, ensuring the catheter's retention within the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism requiring a separate unlocking tool is used, then the catheter is more secure against inadvertent unlocking, but it becomes difficult to release if the tool is misplaced and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hub enables self-service operation by allowing the suture to be locked and unlocked using only the suture itself, without requiring any external tools. The surgeon can pass the suture through the hub and manipulate it to achieve locking or unlocking, making the system self-contained and eliminating the need for separate unlocking instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the unlocking tool from the system entirely, removing the dependency on external instruments. By designing the hub to be operable with just the suture, the patent eliminates the separate unlocking tool that caused complexity issues while maintaining security through the suture's own configuration.
2Ease of operation
If a locking mechanism without external tools is used, then it is easier to operate, but it becomes susceptible to inadvertent unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hub employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the suture can be easily manipulated into locked or unlocked positions by the surgeon, yet once locked, the configuration becomes stable and resistant to inadvertent changes. The hub's internal geometry provides dynamic control during operation but static security when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub features asymmetric internal geometry with specific channels and surfaces that guide the suture into a locked configuration. This asymmetric design ensures that the suture naturally settles into a secure position that is difficult to dislodge accidentally, while still allowing intentional manipulation by the surgeon.
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to prevent tampering, then security is improved, but ease of manufacture and device simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hub is segmented into distinct functional components: a body with internal channels, a collar with engagement features, and integrated screw threads. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard machining processes, simplifying production while achieving complex locking functionality through the assembly of these modular elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the suture, provides locking engagement surfaces, incorporates screw threads for additional security, and creates fluid-tight seals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacture while maintaining high security against tampering.
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 locking hub system effectively secures the catheter in place, minimizing tampering risks and fluid leakage, while allowing for easy use without the need for additional unlocking tools, thereby enhancing the stability and reliability of drainage catheters.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient seal to prevent fluid leakage
Implementation Method 2
screw threads, the mating surfaces are forced together to lock the collar to the base
Implementation Method 3
mismatched tapered surfaces and screw threads, when the collar is tightened on the hub using the corresponding screw threads, the mating surfaces are forced together to lock the collar to the base
Data Source
AI summary
A drainage catheter, comprising an elongate body member, an elongate flexible member and a hub, the hub including a base and a collar, the base an internal passageway and a side lumen and an outer surface including an engagement element and a mating surface portion, and the collar including a side lumen extending from the inner surface to the outer surface and wherein the inner surface of the collar includes a mating surface portion and a counter element, wherein the elongate flexible member extends through the side lumen side lumens, and wherein the hub has an unlocked position where the engagement element and the counter element are not engaged and a locked position where the engagement element and the counter element are engaged, the collar is tightened on the base and the elongate flexible element is clamped between the mating surface portions of the base and the collar.