Telescopic Catheter Coupling with Radial Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intermittent urinary catheters, particularly for male users, are not compact enough for discreet and easy carrying, and lack designs that accommodate the longer urinary channel, necessitating a more efficient telescopic mechanism for extended use without compromising storage and handling.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic intermittent urinary catheter comprising a first tubular element and an extension member with radial protrusions serving as coupling means, allowing the device to be extended for use while maintaining a compact state for storage, featuring a helical protrusion on the internal surface of the tubular element and a resilient radial protrusion on the extension member to prevent collapse and ensure secure extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the catheter is designed as a compact telescopic device for easy carrying, then the storage size is reduced, but the extension mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The extension member is nested within the first tubular element in a telescopic arrangement, allowing the catheter to be compact during storage while enabling extension to a longer length for use. The coupling means with protrusions are integrated into the nested structure to maintain the extended position without adding external complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If the catheter is designed to be compact for discreet carrying, then the portability is improved, but the ease of operation for extension is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means are designed to automatically engage and lock the extension member in the extended position through the interaction of protrusions, eliminating the need for complex manual operation or additional locking mechanisms. The user simply needs to extend the catheter, and the coupling means self-lock into place.
3Reliability
If the extension member is made resilient with protrusions for secure coupling, then the reliability of extended position is improved, but the risk of damage to urinary channel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient protrusions are localized to specific coupling regions on the extension member and first tubular element, rather than making the entire extension member rigid. This allows the protrusions to provide secure locking engagement while the rest of the extension member maintains flexibility to conform to the urinary channel and minimize damage risk.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A telescopic device comprising a first tubular element and an extension member displaceably arranged in an axial direction within the first tubular element, between at least, a first axial position wherein the extension member is displaceable within the first tubular element, where the first tubular element comprises a first coupling means and the extension member comprises a second coupling means, and in a second axial position where the first and second coupling means cooperate with each other for limiting the displacement of said extension member in at least one longitudinal direction, where the first and/or the second coupling means are provided with at least one protrusion in a radial direction of a longitudinal axis of the first tubular element and/or the extension member.