Modular Catheter Handle with Bayonet Coupling for Reprocessing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Catheters and their handles are typically designed as single-use devices due to concerns about virus and bacteria transfer, leading to significant waste and expense, with reprocessing being challenging due to permanent connections and potential trapped biological matter.
Innovation Solution
A modular catheter handle design with separable shell parts and a shape adjustment mechanism that allows for access to internal components, enabling reprocessing and adjustment of the catheter sheath and stylet, facilitating reuse and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If catheters are designed as single-use devices with permanent connections, then reliability in preventing cross-contamination is improved, but loss of substance increases due to disposal of functional components
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter handle is divided into multiple separable components including a distal section, proximal section, and intermediate section with bayonet coupling. This segmentation allows the distal section to be disposed after single use while the proximal section with valuable electronics can be reprocessed and reused, thus reducing loss of functional components while maintaining reliability through proper disposal of contaminated parts
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables discarding of the distal catheter section that contacts biological fluids while recovering and reusing the proximal handle section containing expensive electronics and functional components. The bayonet coupling mechanism facilitates easy separation and recovery of valuable components for reprocessing
2Reliability
If catheter handles are fabricated as integral devices with permanent connections, then reliability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to inability to access internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is segmented into removable sections connected by bayonet coupling, allowing the distal section to be separated for inspection and repair of internal components such as the stylet carrier, while maintaining structural integrity through the robust coupling mechanism during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The bayonet coupling is designed with alignment features and engagement protrusions that guide proper assembly before final locking, ensuring structural integrity is established preliminarily during the coupling process before full engagement
3Reliability
If catheter handles are designed as integral devices, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to complexity of permanent connections
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is manufactured as separate modular sections that can be produced independently using standard manufacturing processes, then assembled through bayonet coupling. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing of individual components while maintaining connection stability through the engineered coupling mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The bayonet coupling mechanism serves multiple functions including mechanical connection, alignment, and locking, providing universal connectivity between handle sections while maintaining reliable connections through its multi-functional design
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter handle includes a handle body having a proximal end and a distal end and a passage extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The handle body comprises a plurality of shell parts that can be separated to access an interior of the handle body. The handle body further includes a connector mounted at the proximal end of the handle body and a strain relief arranged at the distal end, the strain relief and the connector being removably arranged relative to the handle body.