Slide-Button Catheter Connector with Flexible Sleeve Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional catheter connectors are insecure, complex to operate, and prone to breaking, especially in emergency situations, which can lead to disconnection and errors when connecting a syringe or fluid application device to an epidural catheter.
Innovation Solution
A slide-button operated catheter connector device with a housing having two ports and a flexible tubular sleeve, where a slidable catheter lock switch can be moved to lock or unlock the catheter, providing a secure and easy connection without obstructing the catheter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional catheter connectors rely solely on material tension of the connector tube to secure a catheter, then the connector structure is simple, but the connection becomes insecure
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses a dynamic locking mechanism with a movable locking element that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking element is biased by a spring to engage with the catheter, providing secure connection while allowing easy release when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a connector body, a separate locking mechanism, and a catheter retention system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity
2Ease of operation
If traditional catheter connectors require assembling and configuring multiple external parts such as plastic flaps, clamps, and hinges, then the connection can be secure, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism and catheter retention functions are merged into a single integrated component that moves as one unit. The locking element simultaneously performs both locking and retention functions, eliminating the need for separate flaps, clamps, and hinges
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs a self-latching mechanism where the locking element automatically engages with the catheter upon insertion and maintains the connection without requiring continuous external force or complex assembly steps
3Ease of operation
If epidural catheter connectors use catheter-clamping or threaded designs, then the connection can be secure, but the connector obstructs the catheter and requires excessive manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage with the exterior of the catheter without clamping or threading into the catheter lumen. The locking element contacts the outer surface of the catheter, leaving the internal lumen completely unobstructed for fluid flow
Solution Approach 2:
The connector uses a flexible sealing element that conforms to the catheter outer surface to create a seal without rigid clamping. This flexible membrane approach provides secure connection while maintaining catheter patency
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
Facilitates quick and secure attachment of a syringe or fluid device to an epidural catheter, minimizing the risk of disconnection and errors while allowing easy operation, even in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible tubular sleeve extends between the first port and the second port in the housing interior of the device housing
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter connector device is provided including a device housing having a first port and a second port. A fixed sleeve support portion and a flexible, cantilevered sleeve cover extend longitudinally within a housing interior, to carry a flexible tubular sleeve having a sleeve through bore extending from the first port to the second port, for removable insertion of a catheter. The sleeve cover has a first portion, a second portion extending from the first portion and a third portion narrower than the first portion extending from the second portion. A slidable catheter lock switch, or slide button, is positional between a catheter-unlocking position adjacent to the third portion of the sleeve cover and a catheter-locking position engaging the first portion of the sleeve cover and flexing the tubular sleeve cover to crimp the tubular sleeve and retain the catheter within.