Adjustable Mold Applicator for Tissue Repair Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue repair methods require the target site to be horizontally positioned for effective application of biocompatible fillers, which can be difficult, time-consuming, costly, and compromising for the patient due to the viscous consistency of the materials.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an applicator with a selectively adjustable applicator tip and mold that can seal biocompatible material within a tissue defect regardless of orientation, allowing for the application and polymerization of materials in any position using a cylindrical body and a movable mold with threaded engagement, ensuring the material remains in place during hardening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the target site is positioned horizontally for material application, then the material remains within the target site until hardened, but the patient positioning becomes difficult, time-consuming, costly and compromising
Solution Approach 1:
A mold is introduced as an intermediary device between the applicator and the target site. The mold is positioned at the target site to contain the viscous material, allowing the material to be applied and retained without requiring the target site to be horizontally positioned. The mold acts as a temporary containment structure that enables material retention in non-horizontal orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state or containment parameters of the material by using a mold with specific geometric constraints. The mold's structure (e.g., cavity shape, opening orientation) is designed to hold the viscous material in place through physical containment rather than relying on gravitational effects that would require horizontal positioning.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the target site is positioned horizontally to maintain material, then material integrity is preserved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is pre-positioned at the target site before material application. This preliminary action creates a ready-made containment structure that immediately secures the material upon application, eliminating the need for time-consuming patient repositioning during the procedure. The mold is prepared in advance to receive and contain the material in the desired orientation.
3Device complexity
If traditional applicators are used without a mold, then the application process is simpler, but the material cannot be retained in non-horizontal positions
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is designed as a universal component that can be used with various applicators and can accommodate different target site orientations. The mold provides multi-functionality by serving as both a containment structure and a positioning aid, enabling the system to adapt to non-horizontal positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall application process.
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
Enables the application and polymerization of biocompatible materials in any orientation, reducing the need for horizontal positioning of the target site, thus simplifying and streamlining the tissue repair process while maintaining material integrity and facilitating tissue ingrowth.
Implementation Method 1
require time and/or exposure to energy, i.e., light, to harden and/or polymerize
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~3
AI summary
An applicator for use in tissue repair is provided. The applicator includes a base configured to dispense a material and an applicator tip operably connected to the base. The applicator tip includes a body having a distal end configured to engage a tissue defect and a mold disposed about the body configured to engage tissue about the tissue defect. The mold is configured to be selectively positioned about the distal end of the body between at least a first position and a second position to deposit material to form at least a first layer and a second layer. Also provided are applicator tips, methods and kits for tissue repair.