Single Use Topical Anesthetic Applicator with Integrated Marker

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing topical anesthetic applicators do not effectively combine a bulbous member with a first segment carrying topical anesthetic and a second segment carrying a temporary visible marker, which are released onto tissue for marking and numbing purposes, lacking an integral handle and dosing end configuration.

Innovation Solution

A single-use topical anesthetic applicator with a bulbous member having a first segment for topical anesthetic and a second segment for a visible spectrum temporary marker, both integrated with a handle for precise application, allowing the anesthetic and marker to be released onto tissue for preoperative numbing and marking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional separate applicator system is used for topical anesthetic and marking agent, then each agent can be applied independently, but the device complexity increases and cross-contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-contamination preventionVSAvoidnumber of separate applicators

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the topical anesthetic applicator and marking agent applicator into a single integrated device. The handle contains both the anesthetic reservoir and marking agent reservoir, with separate delivery mechanisms that converge at the applicator tip. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate applicators, reducing device complexity while preventing cross-contamination through dedicated sealed reservoirs and separate delivery paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated applicator is segmented into distinct functional zones: the handle contains separated reservoirs for anesthetic and marking agent, the shaft provides structural support and fluid pathways, and the applicator tip contains separate chambers or ports for delivering each agent. This segmentation allows independent containment and delivery of each substance while maintaining a unified device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If a bulbous member with segmented dosing end is used, then precise dosage control is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepredetermined dosage controlVSAvoidhandling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bulbous member is pre-filled with precise dosages of topical anesthetic and marking agent during manufacturing. The segmented structure with pre-measured compartments eliminates the need for operators to measure or mix substances, allowing simple press-or-squeeze application. The predetermined dosages are sealed within the bulbous member until use, ensuring precision without requiring complex handling procedures during administration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If minimal effective dosage of topical anesthetic is dispensed, then unpleasant taste and off-field numbing are reduced, but the reliability of pain control may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunpleasant taste and off-field effectsVSAvoidpain control effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is designed to deliver topical anesthetic precisely to the intended application site through controlled release mechanisms. The bulbous member's segmentation and the shaft's fluid pathways are configured to direct anesthetic flow specifically to the target tissue area, minimizing spread to surrounding regions. This localized delivery reduces unpleasant taste and off-field numbing while maintaining adequate anesthetic concentration at the treatment site for reliable pain control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 applicator provides a safe and effective numbing dosage with reduced unpleasant taste and anxiety, while the temporary marker aids in precise injection targeting, improving patient comfort and reducing cross-contamination.

Implementation Method 1

the segment dispenses the predetermined dosage for absorption by the zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (physical): Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the capsule is broken and the visible spectrum temporary marker is released about a midsection of the zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeposition (physical): Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8696227B1Single use topical anesthetic applicator

Publication Date: 2014.04.15 CARTER THADDEUS

AI summary

An applicator that dispenses a predetermined dose of topical anesthetic to a zone of tissue. When tissue is contacted, the topical anesthetic applicator also releases a visible spectrum temporary marking agent that generates a target for the preoperative injection of a numbing dose of local anesthetic.