Reusable Intermittent Catheter with Separated Urine Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intermittent catheter assemblies are bulky, non-reusable, and generate significant waste, making them inconvenient for mobile users who require frequent self-catheterization, as they lack discrete disposal options and efficient urine drainage solutions.
Innovation Solution
A flexible intermittent catheter assembly with a reusable introducer element featuring longitudinal slits and a sheath system that separates the introducer element's surfaces from the urine flow path, allowing for sterile insertion and efficient urine drainage, while the sheath and applicator components are made of biodegradable materials for easy disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-use packaged catheter assemblies are used, then sterility is ensured, but the packaging becomes bulky and difficult to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter assembly is divided into separate components: a reusable introducer element and a disposable catheter element with applicator. This segmentation allows the bulky packaging to be eliminated for the introducer while the disposable portion remains compact and can be discarded after use.
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer element is prepared in advance and can be sterilized separately, allowing the disposable catheter element to be packaged in a compact form without requiring bulky protective packaging for the entire assembly.
2Strength
If single-use thick-walled catheter tubes are used, then structural strength is ensured, but waste material increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is segmented into a reusable introducer element with sufficient structural strength and a disposable thin-walled catheter element. This allows the strong components to be reused while only the thin-walled drainage portion is discarded, significantly reducing waste material.
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer element is designed to be reusable and can be recovered after use, while only the disposable catheter element with applicator is discarded. This recovering approach reduces waste material while maintaining the necessary strength for the critical introduction function.
3Loss of substance
If the entire catheter assembly is made reusable, then waste is reduced, but discrete disposal becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into reusable and disposable portions, allowing the reusable introducer to be retained while the disposable catheter element with applicator can be easily discarded, achieving both waste reduction and ease of disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable portion (catheter element with applicator) is extracted as a separate component that can be easily removed and discarded, while the reusable introducer remains. This extraction enables discrete disposal of the contaminated portion while retaining valuable components.
4Loss of substance
If thin-walled catheter components are used for disposable portions, then waste is reduced and disposal is easier, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different wall thicknesses are applied to different portions of the catheter assembly: the introducer element has sufficient wall thickness for strength and reusability, while the disposable catheter element has reduced wall thickness for waste reduction and easy disposal, with each portion optimized for its specific function.
Data Source
Figure 1~3A
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
An intermittent catheter assembly (20) and kit (48) comprising an elongated introducer element (22) formed of a flexible material adapted for insertion into a urethra during a catheterization procedure having at least one slit (24) extending longitudinally along a substantial portion of its length, an applicator (26) having an opening, and a sheath (30) having a first end (30a) that is secured to the applicator about the opening and a second end (30b) defining a discharge opening (32) which is inverted relative to the first end of the sheath to define inner and outer sleeve portions. The inner sleeve portion defines a flow path for urine through the discharge opening and extends through the slit of the introducer element to separate an inner surface of the introducer element from the urine flow path so the introducer element is never exposed to urine during a catheterization procedure.