This entry is in regards to a previously developed IV line management device I produced called ModuLine.
The development of ModuLine presented two primary challenges. The first was achieving a secure fit on the side rail. Given the existence of three distinct bed types within my facility (and likely countless others outside of it) finding a universal fit was extremely difficult. Ultimately, I opted for a design that accommodated two of the three bed types. To enhance securement, I incorporated microsuction tape, a material I had previously experimented with on another project.
Application of microsuction tape/padding on underside of ModuLine.
The second challenge involved the additive printing process itself. Printing the ModuLine as a single piece, in its current geometry, would have resulted in significant overhangs, which are notoriously difficult to manage in additive manufacturing. My solution was to split the component in half and reattach the pieces later. After trying various joining methods, I found that simple furniture dowels provided the most secure and effective solution. Although hammering the dowels in was necessary, it was a rapid, three-second task that guaranteed a firm and safe final assembly.
Use of dowels to create secure and stable attachment of the two halves of the 3D printed product.
Ultimately, the latest round of R&D underscored the core philosophy of the ModuLine project: practical iteration. By embracing the constraints of diverse clinical equipment and the realities of additive manufacturing, the design has once again been significantly improved. The combined use of microsuction tape for a secure bed-rail fit and furniture dowels for a robust assembly highlights a commitment to actual real-world solutions.These final refinements ensure ModuLine is highly functional and also efficiently and safely manufacturable, validating its effectiveness for use at the bedside.