Monolithic Catheter Locking Valve for One-Way Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter packaging systems for intermittent catheters are cumbersome, costly, and wasteful due to their complex multi-part designs, making it difficult for users to handle and manipulate lubricated catheters during self-catheterization, especially in a mobile setting.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, lightweight catheter packaging system featuring a monolithic planar locking member with a one-way valve that allows the catheter to be advanced in one direction only, preventing reverse movement and reducing the need for multiple parts, thereby simplifying handling and minimizing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple parts are used in the movement control device, then the catheter can be controlled to move in one direction only, but the cost, weight, and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking member and one-way valve into a single integrated component. The locking member has a body portion that forms the valve structure, with the valve member positioned within the body. This merging of functions into one monolithic component reduces the number of parts, lowers cost and weight, while maintaining the ability to control catheter movement in one direction only.
2Reliability
If a complex multi-part design is used, then the catheter movement can be controlled, but the handling becomes more difficult and messy
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the locking member and valve into a single unit, the device becomes simpler to handle. The user interacts with one component rather than multiple separate parts, reducing the complexity of manipulation. The lubricated catheter can be more easily inserted through the single integrated structure without the risk of misalignment or difficulty associated with multiple parts.
3Device complexity
If a single integrated locking member with valve is used, then the cost and weight are reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs injection molding technology to manufacture the monolithic locking member with integrated valve. By changing the manufacturing parameter from assembly of multiple parts to single-step molding, the precision requirements are managed through process control. The injection molding process inherently provides the necessary precision for the valve seating and locking mechanisms while maintaining the benefits of a single integrated component.
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 provides a cost-effective, lightweight, and efficient means to control catheter movement within the packaging system, reducing the risk of contamination and mess while facilitating easy insertion and use, especially in mobile settings.
Implementation Method 1
The valve is disposed through the upper and lower surfaces of the locking member and configured and arranged for receipt of the catheter tube and to advance the tube through the locking member in the first longitudinal direction only
Data Source
AI summary
A packaged intermittent urinary catheter having a longitudinally extending package and a catheter movement control device. The catheter movement control device is disposed within the package and has a monolithic planar locking member and a one-way valve. The monolithic locking member has longitudinally spaced upper and lower surfaces, laterally spaced ends, and transversely spaced front and back edges. The valve is disposed through the upper and lower surfaces of the locking member and configured and arranged for receipt of the catheter tube and to advance the tube through the locking member in the first longitudinal direction only.