Rotatable Catheter Hub for Left-Right Hand Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter assemblies are cumbersome to use and not easily adaptable for both left and right-handed users, and their manufacturing process is complex.
Innovation Solution
A catheter assembly with a rotatable catheter hub part that allows the extension tube coupling to be positioned on either the left or right side, facilitating use by both left and right-handed individuals, and featuring a simple design for easier manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the extension tube coupling is fixed on a specific side of the catheter hub, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the catheter is not adaptable to both left and right-handed users
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter hub is designed with a rotatable component that allows the extension tube coupling to be positioned on either the left or right side. This dynamic repositioning capability enables the same catheter structure to adapt to different-handed users without requiring multiple distinct catheter designs, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter hub incorporates a universal design feature where a single rotatable mechanism serves multiple functions: it can be rotated to different positions (left, right, or intermediate) to accommodate different user preferences and anatomical requirements. This multi-functionality allows one catheter design to serve multiple purposes for different user types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the catheter is designed for right-handed users only, then the structure can be optimized for that specific user group, but it cannot be used effectively by left-handed users
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable catheter hub allows the extension tube coupling to be dynamically repositioned from the default right-side position to a left-side position, enabling left-handed users to benefit from the same optimized structure. This dynamic adjustment maintains ease of operation for both user groups by allowing each to position the coupling on their preferred side.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter hub incorporates asymmetric features that can be rotated to different positions. The extension tube coupling and associated features are arranged asymmetrically relative to the hub body, allowing rotation to create mirror-image configurations suitable for different-handed users while maintaining the optimized operational characteristics for each hand orientation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable flow housing is used to improve adaptability, then both left and right-handed users can be accommodated, but the production process becomes complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter hub is segmented into distinct rotatable and non-rotatable portions. The rotatable portion contains the extension tube coupling and can be rotated independently, while the non-rotatable portion maintains a simple, fixed structure. This segmentation allows the rotatable feature to provide adaptability while keeping the overall manufacturing process relatively simple by avoiding the need to manufacture entirely complex rotatable housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable feature is merged with the existing catheter hub structure rather than being a separate, complex assembly. The extension tube coupling is integrated into the hub body in a way that allows rotation, combining the adaptability function with the structural components already present in the catheter, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to adding a completely separate rotatable housing.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention discloses a catheter assembly, extending along a longitudinal axis A. The catheter assembly (100) comprises a catheter hub (110), comprising a base part (112) and a catheter hub rotable part (115) rotatable about the axis A in relation to a fixation element (130). A coupling element (120) is connected to the catheter hub rotable part (115), and the fixation element (130) is connected to the catheter hub (110) and comprises a first recess (135a) and a second recess (135b) configured to fit the coupling element (120). The invention further relates to a catheter instrument, comprising the catheter assembly (100) and a needle assembly. To be published with Fig. 1A