Antiseptic Applicator Foam Layer Dye Solubilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antiseptic applicators face issues with inconsistency in tint intensity and potential clogging due to dye precipitation when using a pledget to tint the antiseptic solution.
Innovation Solution
An antiseptic applicator design featuring a foam application member with a dye-impregnated first layer and a second layer free from dye, where the antiseptic solution is tinted before reaching the skin, and a filter layer prevents unsolubilized dye from passing through, ensuring consistent tinting and preventing clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a pledget is used to store dye and tint the antiseptic solution, then the solution becomes tinted for visual confirmation, but the tint intensity is inconsistent and dye precipitation causes clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The application member is divided into multiple foam layers: a first foam layer impregnated with dye and a second foam layer free from dye. This segmentation allows the dye to be contained within the foam structure rather than using a separate pledget, ensuring consistent tint intensity while preventing clogging through the integrated foam matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The dye storage and solution application functions are merged into a single integrated foam structure. The foam layers combine the dye-impregnated region with the solution passage pathway, eliminating the need for a separate pledget and ensuring reliable, consistent tinting without clogging.
2Ease of operation
If a pledget is used to control and direct solution flow, then the solution flow is managed, but dye precipitation causes clogging in the fluid pathway
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control function previously performed by a separate pledget is merged into the foam structure itself. The foam layers provide both flow management and dye containment in an integrated system, eliminating the fluid pathway clogging issue while maintaining ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If a single foam layer with dye is used, then the structure is simple, but the tint intensity consistency is poor and clogging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The single foam layer is segmented into multiple layers with different functions: the first layer contains the dye impregnation for consistent tinting, while the second layer provides a dye-free passage for solution flow. This segmentation improves reliability without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the foam structure have different properties: the first foam layer is dye-impregnated for consistent tinting, while the second foam layer is dye-free for unobstructed solution flow. This local differentiation of quality ensures both tint consistency and clogging prevention.
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 stable and consistently tinted antiseptic application with reduced risk of clogging, ensuring effective skin sterilization and visual confirmation of coverage.
Implementation Method 1
the antiseptic solution passes into the first foam layer, whereupon the dye is solubilized by and tints the antiseptic solution
Implementation Method 2
a filter layer prevents unsolubilized dye from passing through
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An applicator assembly includes a head portion having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior portion defining a fluid chamber; a container for containing an antiseptic solution coupled to and in fluid communication with the proximal end of the head portion; and an application member in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and comprising a foam, having a first foam layer adjacent a second foam layer, wherein the first foam layer is disposed toward the distal end of the head portion and comprises a dye impregnated therein, and the second foam layer is disposed away from the distal end of the head portion and is free from the dye, and wherein, after the antiseptic solution passes from the container through the fluid chamber, the antiseptic solution passes into the first foam layer, whereupon the dye is solubilized by and tints the antiseptic solution.