Needleless Connector Loosening Tool With Holder Cavity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for disconnecting needleless connectors from central venous catheters often result in line migration due to adhesion issues, leading to muscle injuries and catheter damage, as healthcare workers struggle to apply sufficient torque without inadvertently pulling the catheter.
Innovation Solution
A tool comprising a holder with a cavity designed to securely accommodate the catheter port and a wrench for gripping the needleless connector, allowing for rotational locking and easy disconnection, providing mechanical advantage to apply sufficient torque without causing line migration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a healthcare worker manually twists the needleless connector to disconnect it from the catheter port, then the connector can be disconnected, but the catheter may migrate or be damaged due to inadvertent pulling
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces a holder as an intermediary tool between the healthcare worker's hand and the needleless connector. The holder includes a cavity that receives the catheter port and a slot that engages the connector, allowing the worker to apply torque to the connector without directly gripping it, thereby preventing inadvertent pulling on the catheter while still enabling effective disconnection
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the disconnection action into two independent gripping points: one at the catheter port (held steady by the holder) and one at the needleless connector (rotated for disconnection). This segmentation allows the healthcare worker to apply rotational force to the connector without applying pulling force to the catheter, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
2Ease of operation
If a healthcare worker applies increased torque to disconnect an adhered needleless connector, then the connector can be loosened, but the catheter port may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The holder acts as a mediator that provides a stable anchoring point for the catheter port. By securing the port in the holder's cavity, the device allows healthcare workers to apply increased torque to the needleless connector through the slot engagement without transmitting that force to the catheter port, thus preventing damage while enabling effective loosening of adhered connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies local quality by creating a specialized engagement interface through the slot that is designed specifically for gripping the needleless connector. This localized engagement mechanism concentrates the applied torque at the connector-catheter interface rather than distributing it to the catheter port, allowing high torque application without damage
3Ease of operation
If a healthcare worker uses one hand to hold the catheter port and the other to twist the connector, then disconnection can be attempted, but muscle injury and carpal tunnel syndrome may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the functions of holding the catheter port and gripping the needleless connector into a single integrated tool. The holder simultaneously provides the anchoring cavity for the port and the slot for connector engagement, allowing the healthcare worker to perform both functions with one hand, thereby eliminating the repetitive strain caused by using two hands in the traditional method
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 tool effectively prevents line migration and reduces the risk of muscle injury and catheter damage by providing a secure grip and sufficient torque for easy disconnection of needleless connectors from catheter ports.
Implementation Method 1
The front section frictionally or lockingly engages the catheter port
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for loosening a needleless connector is provided. The tool is a holder for holding a catheter port connected to the needleless connector. The holder includes a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, and a cavity. The cavity accommodates the catheter port. The cavity extends through the holder and has a front opening in the front surface, a rear opening in the rear surface, and a rear inner wall. The cavity is defined by at least a first cross-sectional dimension and a second cross-sectional dimension, the first cross-sectional dimension at least partially defining a front section opening to the front opening, the second cross-sectional dimension at least partially defining a rear section opening to the rear opening.