Adjustable Tracheostomy Tube Flange Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medico-surgical tubes, such as tracheostomy tubes, face challenges in securing a movable and lockable flange on obese patients where tissue thickness is significant, requiring a secure yet easy-to-operate locking mechanism, especially when the tube is wet and slippery.
Innovation Solution
A medico-surgical tube assembly featuring a manually-operable lever with a stem and elongate handle that rotates to tighten a C-shaped locking assembly with deformable rings around the tube, allowing the flange to be positioned and locked along the tube's length, with a design that includes a central plate and flexure sections for reduced pressure and ease of access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed flange is used on the tube, then the structure is simple and secure, but it cannot be adjusted to suit patients with varying anatomy such as obese patients with thick tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is made movable along the tube rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned at different locations. The locking assembly includes a lever that can be operated to lock the flange at any desired position, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adjustable one that adapts to varying patient anatomy
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly is designed to be easily operable by the user without requiring additional tools or complex procedures. The lever mechanism allows the user to simply pull the flange to the desired position and operate the lever to lock it, making the system self-servicing and user-friendly
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable and lockable flange is implemented, then adaptability to different patient anatomies is improved, but securing the flange securely becomes difficult especially when the tube is wet and slippery
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly includes visual indicators that change appearance based on the locked state. When the lever is in the locked position, the visual indicator shows a specific configuration that is readily apparent to the user, providing immediate visual confirmation that the flange is securely locked without requiring tactile inspection
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly uses curved or rounded surfaces in its design, particularly in the lever and clamping surfaces, which facilitate easy operation even when wet. The curved geometry allows for smooth movement and reduces friction, making it easier to operate the locking mechanism under wet conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flange is made movable and lockable, then it can be positioned ideally for obese patients, but the operation becomes more complex and difficult to secure easily
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a lever for operation, a stem for mechanical advantage, and clamping surfaces for securing the flange. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, making the overall operation simple and intuitive despite the added adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's manual operation and the locking action. By operating the lever, the user indirectly actuates the locking mechanism through mechanical advantage, making it easier to secure the flange compared to direct manipulation of the locking components
4Adaptability or versatility
If a locking assembly is added to make the flange movable and lockable, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is integrated with the flange structure rather than being a separate, additional component. The lever, stem, and clamping surfaces are combined into a single unified assembly that works together to provide locking functionality, reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate locking mechanisms
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 secure and easy-to-use locking mechanism for the flange, ensuring a comfortable fit on patients with varying anatomy, reducing pressure on the neck and minimizing the risk of flange loss in skin folds, while being apparent when locked.
Implementation Method 1
The two parts of the locking assembly preferably have a plurality of deformable rings adapted to engage the outside surface of the tube
Implementation Method 2
The stem preferably has a threaded portion engaging a threaded aperture in one part of the locking assembly such that when the stem is rotated by moving the handle portion the two parts of the locking assembly are moved together
Implementation Method 3
The two parts of the locking assembly are preferably of C shape and connected together by a living hinge
Implementation Method 4
the locking assembly includes a manually-operable lever having a stem and an elongate handle portion projecting outwardly of the stem to one side
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An adjustable flange for a tracheostomy tube has a locking assembly (25) with two C shape clamp arms (26) and (27) hinged together at one end (28). A lever (50) with a threaded stem (51) extends through the opposite end of one arm (27) and into a threaded aperture (32) in the other arm (26). When the handle (55) of the lever (50) is inclined out of the plane of the locking assembly (25) it can be slid freely along the tracheostomy tube (1) for positioning. The locking assembly (25) is locked in position by rotating the handle (55) down to lie in the plane of the locking assembly. The flange (20) has two wings (22) and (23) connected with a central plate (20) by webs (42) and (43) of reduced width so that the webs flex to allow the wings to be lifted readily.