Sideways-Rotating Skin Preparation Device for Catheter Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for cleaning and sterilizing intravenous lines and hubs risk dislodging them from the patient during the cleaning process, especially in complex medical procedures involving multiple personnel.

Innovation Solution

A skin preparation device with a tubular body, fluid retention member, and a tip that allows for sideways rotational movement to clean and disinfect the underside of a catheter line and hub without dislodging, featuring a slot or channel for easy access and a mechanism to release disinfectant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the IV line and set are lifted to clean the underside, then access to clean the underside is improved, but the risk of dislodging the IV line increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to clean undersideVSAvoidrisk of dislodging IV line

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device introduces an intermediary structure (the body member with tip) that mediates between the cleaner and the IV line. The tip extends radially from the fluid retention member to reach underneath the IV line without requiring lifting, serving as a mediator that enables cleaning while maintaining IV line stability through its specialized geometry and interaction with the hub.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a vertical lifting approach to a horizontal/rotational approach. The tip is configured to move in a sideways rotational movement about the IV line, accessing the underside from a different dimensional perspective. This allows cleaning without vertical displacement that would risk dislodging the IV line.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple personnel are involved in procedures, then comprehensive patient care is improved, but the complexity and risk of IV line dislodgement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive patient careVSAvoidcomplexity of procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables self-service cleaning capability. The body member with fluid retention member and tip is designed to be manipulated by a single person to clean the IV line hub and underside areas. This reduces the need for multiple personnel coordinating complex cleaning procedures, thereby reducing overall procedure complexity while maintaining comprehensive care.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the IV line is cleaned periodically, then infection prevention is improved, but the risk of dislodgement during cleaning increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection preventionVSAvoidrisk of dislodgement during cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed in advance with the tip configuration and fluid retention member positioned to enable cleaning action without dislodgement risk. The tip's radial extension and slot/channel geometry are pre-configured to engage with the IV line hub in a way that facilitates cleaning while maintaining secure positioning, preventing dislodgement before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250268357A1Skin preparation device for cleaning catheter line and hub

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

AI summary

A skin preparation device including a body member, a fluid retention member operatively connected to a distal end of the body member, and a tip extending radially from an outer surface of the fluid retention member.