Uniform Internal Diameter Drainage System Hub Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drainage systems for patients face issues with clogging due to insufficient drain sizes and the lure lock system, which creates pinch points, leading to inefficient fluid drainage and frequent flushing or system replacement, especially when dealing with thicker viscosity bodily fluids.
Innovation Solution
A drainage system with a uniform internal diameter throughout, eliminating the need for a lure lock system and ensuring fluid-tight connections between the catheter, hub, and drainage line, featuring larger French size drains and a spring-loaded flush port for efficient fluid flow and reduced clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lure lock system is used to connect the catheter line to the hub, then the connection is secure and fluid-tight, but the internal diameter changes create pinch points that cause fluid to get stuck and clog
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the critical parameter of internal diameter from variable (in lure lock systems) to uniform throughout the entire fluid pathway. The hub is designed with a through-bore that maintains substantially the same internal diameter from the catheter connection port, through the hub body, to the drainage line connection port, eliminating pinch points while preserving connection security through alternative sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different local qualities to different parts of the hub: the through-bore provides uniform diameter for smooth fluid flow, while the connection ports incorporate sealing surfaces and mechanisms (such as bayonet-style connections or gasket interfaces) that provide secure, fluid-tight connections without compromising the uniform internal diameter of the fluid pathway.
2Productivity
If the drain internal diameter is increased to accommodate thicker viscosity fluids, then clogging is reduced, but the system complexity and connection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hub design provides a universal connection system that can accommodate various catheter sizes and types while maintaining uniform internal diameter. The standardized through-bore configuration allows the same hub design to work with different French sizes of catheters and drainage lines, simplifying the overall system while enabling use of larger diameter drains for thick fluids.
3Reliability
If a flush port with lure lock connection is added to loosen stuck fluid, then the system can continue draining, but the system complexity increases and manual flushing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for separate flush ports and lure lock connection mechanisms by integrating the uniform diameter through-bore design throughout the system. The simplified connection system prevents fluid from getting stuck in the first place, removing the need for additional flushing components and manual intervention.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the internal diameter of the hub is made larger to receive smaller connection ports, then connections are accommodated, but pinch points are created where fluid flows from larger to smaller diameters
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the hub internal diameter larger to accommodate smaller connection ports (which creates pinch points), the invention inverts the approach by making the connection ports and their internal pathways match the uniform through-bore diameter. This ensures fluid flows smoothly from the catheter, through the hub, to the drainage line without encountering diameter transitions or pinch points.
Data Source
AI summary
A uniform internal diameter drainage system is disclosed. The system comprises a drainage catheter with large French drains and an internal diameter that progressively expands to a uniform internal diameter of the system. The catheter comprises a receiving port in fluid-tight communication with an engaging port of a hub, which comprises a first end, second end and flush port. The second end engages the catheter and the internal diameter of the catheter and the second end are substantially uniform. The first end comprises a receiving port that engages an engaging port of a drainage line and internal diameter of the drainage line and the first end of the system of the present invention are substantially uniform. A flush valve is disposed between the first end and second end of the present system to flush fluids from the system as needed.