Reusable Medical Line Securing Device with Flexible Groove
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing medical lines, such as catheters, are inadequate due to insecure fixation, difficulty in handling with gloves, hygienic concerns, and limitations in accommodating various line sizes and reuse, leading to potential complications and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A device with a line retaining part and a base part featuring flexible retaining means and complementary locking mechanisms, allowing for secure fixation of medical lines of varying diameters, easy handling, and reusability, including snap locking and swivel joint designs for adjustable placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If medical tape or adhesive-based devices are used to secure catheters, then the catheter can be fixed to the patient, but the fixation becomes insecure over time and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate parts: a reusable base part with mechanical fixing means and a disposable line retaining part with adhesive. This segmentation allows the base part to be sterilized and reused while the line retaining part is replaced, resolving the contradiction between reusability and secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The line retaining part with adhesive is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use, while the base part is recovered and sterilized for reuse. This approach maintains secure fixation through fresh adhesive on each use while enabling reuse of the durable base component.
2Reliability
If adhesive surfaces are used for fixing devices, then the device can be attached to the patient, but hygienic problems arise due to dust and particle accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive surface is separated onto the disposable line retaining part rather than the reusable base part. This allows the adhesive surface to be discarded with each use, preventing accumulation of dust and particles that would compromise hygiene while maintaining secure attachment during each use period.
3Device complexity
If fixed-size grooves are used in retaining devices, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various line sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining part is made of flexible material that can elastically deform to accommodate lines of various diameters. This dynamic flexibility allows the same groove structure to adapt to different line sizes without requiring multiple fixed-size grooves, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving versatility.
4Reliability
If protective film is removed for adhesive application, then the adhesive surface is exposed for fixing, but handling becomes difficult when wearing gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive surface is pre-covered with a protective film that remains intact during storage and transport. The film is designed to be easily peeled off at the moment of application, even with gloved hands. This preliminary protection simplifies handling by preventing accidental adhesive exposure while enabling controlled application when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Device for securing a line such as a medical tube, a catheter, diagnostic wires etc., the device includinga line retaining part and a base part,the line retaining part having at least one groove for accommodating a line, the groove being designed with flexible retaining means,the base part including fixing means,where the line retaining part and the base part are provided with complementary locking means.