Self-Sealing Polymer Venipuncture Pad with Inflatable Vein Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current venipuncture training manikins and devices are not very realistic and require frequent replacement or repair, making them costly and inefficient for simulating the process of inserting a catheter or needle into a blood vein.
Innovation Solution
A self-sealing polymer pad with fluid passageways that can be inflated to simulate veins, featuring releasable compression fitting into a pad frame, allowing for multiple uses and realistic pressure variations, is designed for training venipuncture, along with an artificial arm and manikin equipped with this pad.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional latex tubes and soft PVC skin layers are used in training manikins, then the device can be manufactured with simple materials, but the device requires frequent replacement and repair after venipuncture training
Solution Approach 1:
The training pad uses a composite structure combining a foam core with a flexible outer layer containing embedded fluid passageways. This composite design provides both durability and the necessary venipuncture functionality, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture by integrating multiple material properties into a single manufacturable component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the vein simulation from static latex tubes to inflatable fluid-filled passageways within foam. By controlling the inflation pressure and fluid volume, the veins can be adjusted to different states (collapsed, normal, distended), improving reliability across multiple training sessions while maintaining manufacturability through mold-injected fluid channels.
2Ease of operation
If training pads are designed to be highly realistic with detailed vein structures, then the training quality improves, but the cost and complexity of replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The training pad is segmented into modular components: a reusable foam frame and replaceable vein modules. Each vein module contains specific fluid passageways that can be independently manufactured and replaced. This segmentation maintains high training realism through detailed vein structures while reducing overall device complexity and replacement cost by allowing selective module replacement rather than entire pad replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam pad structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, contains the fluid-filled vein passageways, and offers a realistic skin surface for venipuncture practice. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining or enhancing training realism.
3Productivity
If the pad uses non-replaceable integrated vein structures, then the device structure is simpler, but the maintenance cost and time increase due to frequent complete replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The vein structures are designed as separable modules that can be independently removed and replaced within the foam pad framework. This segmentation allows quick replacement of only the worn vein modules rather than the entire pad, significantly reducing replacement time and maintaining high training productivity with minimal interruption.
4Reliability
If the pad frame is designed to securely hold the pad in place, then the stability improves, but the ease of pad replacement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pad frame incorporates dynamic fastening mechanisms that can transition between locked and released states. During training, the frame securely holds the pad for stability. For replacement, the fastening mechanism can be quickly released, allowing easy pad removal and replacement without compromising either stability during use or replacement ease.
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 realistic and cost-effective training tool that reduces the need for frequent replacement, enhances realism, and allows for a large number of venipunctures before maintenance is required, improving the quality and comfort of venipuncture training.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid passageway or bore can be inflated by pressurising with a fluid through the at least one connector
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention provides a pad for training of inserting a catheter or needle into a blood vein, distinctive in that the pad comprises at least one fluid connector and at least one fluid passageway or bore, the fluid connector is fluidly connected to the fluid passageway or bore, the fluid passageway or bore simulates a blood vein and can be inflated by pressurising with a fluid through the at least one connector. Artificial arm and manikin comprising such pad or adapted to have such pad detachably fastened.