Telescopic Catheter Coupling for Controlled Extension and Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telescopic urinary catheters are difficult to collapse and dispose of discreetly after use, and they pose a risk of trauma during insertion due to the inability to prevent extension when encountering blockages or constrictions.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic device with a coupling arrangement that allows the second telescopic member to be moved in one direction while preventing movement in the opposite direction, enabling extension for insertion and collapse for storage, and includes a non-touch applicator to minimize contamination and trauma risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the telescopic catheter is locked in extended state, then the catheter maintains its functional length for insertion and use, but the catheter cannot be collapsed for discreet disposal or storage
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arrangement transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic reversible state, allowing the catheter to be locked in extended configuration during use and then collapsed for disposal. The coupling member can shift between engagement positions based on applied force, enabling the system to adapt its structural state as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling arrangement changes the displacement parameter of the second telescopic member by switching between two coupling configurations. In the first configuration, displacement is limited in the first axial direction; in the second configuration, displacement is limited in the opposite direction, allowing controlled extension and collapse.
2Ease of operation
If the telescopic catheter allows free movement during insertion, then the catheter can be easily inserted, but the catheter may cause trauma when encountering blockages or constrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arrangement is pre-configured to limit displacement in the first axial direction, preventing the second telescopic member from extending further when encountering resistance during insertion. This preliminary constraint counteracts the potential harmful effect of uncontrolled extension before trauma can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling arrangement provides mechanical feedback by detecting when the predetermined displacement limit is reached during insertion. When the coupling member engages the limiting surface, it signals that the catheter has encountered sufficient resistance, automatically preventing further extension that could cause trauma.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the coupling arrangement prevents displacement in both directions, then the catheter remains stable, but the catheter cannot be extended or collapsed
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arrangement is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to switch between two stable coupling configurations rather than remaining fixed in one state. This enables the catheter to transition between extended and collapsed states while maintaining structural stability in each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is extracted from a completely fixed position and given controlled mobility, allowing it to engage at two distinct positions that correspond to the extended and collapsed states. This selective mobility provides both stability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A telescopic device comprising a first telescopic member and a second telescopic member, where the second telescopic member is displaceably arranged within the first telescopic member in a first and a second axial direction along the longitudinal axis of the first telescopic member, a coupling arrangement for limiting the displacement of the second telescopic member relative to the first telescopic member where the coupling arrangement has a first and a second coupling configuration.