Adjustable Tracheostomy Tube Flange With Locking Sleeve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medico-surgical tubes with fixed flanges are not suitable for patients with thick tissue between the neck surface and trachea, as they can cause compression and permanent indentation, leading to a reduction in tube diameter and frictional issues, especially when wet and slippery.

Innovation Solution

A medico-surgical tube assembly with a flange assembly featuring a locking arrangement that includes a resilient sleeve and a manually-operable member, allowing the flange to be movable and lockable along the tube length, using a rotatable screw-threaded ring and compression mechanism to apply axial force and prevent movement, utilizing a neoprene sleeve for gripping contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed flange is used to secure the tube, then the tube can be secured to the patient's body, but it causes compression and permanent indentation of the tube, leading to reduction in tube diameter and frictional issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring the tube to the patient's bodyVSAvoidtube compression and indentation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flange is made movable along the tube length rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned optimally for different patient anatomies. The locking arrangement enables the flange to be secured at specific positions while maintaining the ability to adjust its location, thus preventing compression issues while ensuring reliable securing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position of the flange along the tube is changed as a variable parameter rather than being fixed. This allows optimization of the flange position to avoid compression of the tube, while the locking mechanism ensures the position remains stable during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the flange is made movable to accommodate different patient anatomies, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of slippage and insecure fastening increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment to different patient anatomiesVSAvoidsecure fastening of the flange

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flange assembly incorporates a locking arrangement that transitions between locked and unlocked states. When unlocked, the flange can be freely adjusted along the tube to accommodate different anatomies. When locked, it is securely fixed to prevent slippage, thus resolving the contradiction between adjustability and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking arrangement is separated as a distinct functional component from the flange and tube. This segmentation allows the flange to perform its adjustment function independently while the locking mechanism provides secure fastening when engaged, enabling both adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a high frictional force is exerted by the flange on the tube to prevent slippage, then secure fastening is achieved, but it causes compression and permanent indentation of the tube

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevent slippage of the flangeVSAvoidtube indentation and diameter reduction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The frictional force is applied locally at the locking position rather than along the entire length of the tube. The locking arrangement concentrates the securing force at a specific point through the resilient sleeve, preventing slippage without distributing compression along the tube that would cause indentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient sleeve acts as an intermediary between the locking arrangement and the tube. It transmits the frictional force needed to prevent slippage while its resilient nature distributes the pressure and prevents direct compression and indentation of the tube.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 adjustable flange assembly that prevents slipping while minimizing tube indentation, maintaining a consistent diameter and cross-sectional area, and ensuring a comfortable fit for patients with varying neck anatomy.

Implementation Method 1

a sleeve of resilient material extending in a recess of the locking arrangement and arranged to embrace a part of the length of the tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The manually-operable member may be a screw-threaded ring embracing the tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS10603455B2Medico-surgical tube and flange assemblies

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 ICU MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL LTD

AI summary

A tracheostomy tube (1) has a movable and lockable flange (2) by which the tube can be supported about the neck of a patient. The flange has a rotatable locking ring (34), which is threaded with a housing (26) fixed with the wings (22 and 23) of the flange. A resilient sleeve (50) is located in a recess (44) of the locking ring between a compression surface (45) on the locking ring at one end and the floor (46) of the housing at the opposite end. When the locking ring (34) is twisted it is moved forwardly along the housing (26), thereby compressing the resilient sleeve (50) axially. The axial compression causes the sleeve (50) to expand radially against the outside of the tube (1) and the inside of the housing (26), thereby locking the flange (2) in position.