Segmented Support Structure for Drainage Tube Fluid Pooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dependent loops within drainage tubes can cause fluid pooling or retrograde flow, leading to complications such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) and hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), which are detrimental to patients and increase treatment costs.
Innovation Solution
A drainage system with a support structure that includes a central lumen with segments capable of friction fit engagement, allowing the segments to be positioned to impart shape and rigidity to the drainage tube, preventing fluid pooling by maintaining a consistent negative incline and preventing dependent loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drainage tubes are made flexible and dependent, then ease of operation and patient comfort are improved, but fluid pooling and retrograde flow occur causing infections
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned along the drainage tube. Each segment can be adjusted to create specific shapes and angles, allowing the tube to maintain flexibility while preventing fluid pooling through strategic segmentation of the support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities where segments can be moved to different positions along the drainage tube. This allows the support structure to adapt to different patient positions and drainage requirements, maintaining effectiveness in preventing fluid pooling while accommodating operational flexibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If support structures are made rigid to prevent fluid pooling, then fluid pooling is reduced, but the drainage tube loses flexibility and becomes difficult to position
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support structure into multiple adjustable sections, the design provides rigid support where needed to prevent fluid pooling while maintaining overall flexibility. Each segment can be independently positioned to create the optimal balance between structural support and tube flexibility for easy positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure applies rigidity locally at specific segments rather than making the entire tube rigid. This allows certain portions to maintain flexibility for easy positioning while other portions provide the necessary rigid support to prevent fluid pooling and maintain negative incline.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If support structures are made adjustable to prevent dependent loops, then fluid pooling is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design allows for adjustable support at multiple locations along the drainage tube, enabling prevention of dependent loops without requiring a completely complex adjustable mechanism. Each segment can be independently positioned to address specific loop formation risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to be self-adjusting through its segmented configuration, where segments can be positioned to naturally prevent dependent loops based on the tube's orientation and patient position, reducing the need for complex active control mechanisms.
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 support structure effectively prevents fluid pooling and retrograde flow, reducing the risk of infections and associated complications while maintaining the patency of the drainage tube.
Implementation Method 1
the socket portion of a first segment is configured to engage the ball portion of the adjacent segment in a friction fit engagement
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to support structures for drainage tubes to relax dependent loops and mitigate fluid pooling. Embodiments include support structures configured to receive an elastic tube and impart rigid or malleable properties thereon. These properties allow a clinician to position the tube to provide a consistent negative incline. Embodiments of support structures include an interlocking segmented tube, a bi-stable or mono-stable support structure, a jacket support structure, or a magnet support structure. Embodiments further include a malleable wire disposed within a wall of an elastic tube, or portions of a tube displaying differing elastic, malleable, or rigid properties. Embodiments also include magnetic peristalsis devices configured to urge fluid through a tube lumen.