Applicator Abrading Element for Solid Dosage Powdering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid unit dosage forms, such as tablets, experience slow disintegration and premature slipping out when administered into vaginal or rectal cavities due to limited liquid media, making existing applicators ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A device that converts solid unit dosage forms into a powder form using an abrading element within an applicator, allowing for even distribution over a larger surface area within the body cavity, similar to administering gels or creams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solid unit dosage form is administered into the body cavity, then the medication can be delivered, but the disintegration is slow and the dosage form may slip out before complete disintegration
Solution Approach 1:
The solid unit dosage form is mechanically segmented into powder particles using abrading elements (needles, pins, or blades) that crush and divide the tablet within the applicator chamber, transforming it from a single solid unit into multiple smaller particles that can disintegrate more rapidly and uniformly in the body cavity
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the medication is changed from solid tablet form to powder form through mechanical abrasion, which fundamentally alters the surface area to volume ratio and enables faster dissolution and disintegration in the limited liquid media of the body cavity
2Reliability
If a solid unit dosage form is administered into the body cavity, then the medication can be delivered, but the dosage form may slip out before complete disintegration
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the solid dosage form into fine powder particles, the material can be distributed and retained more effectively in the body cavity, as the fine particles are less likely to slip out compared to a solid tablet, while still maintaining the complete disintegration benefit
3Quantity of substance
If solid unit dosage form is administered, then the medication can be delivered, but it distributes over limited surface area in the body cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the solid dosage form into numerous fine powder particles dramatically increases the total surface area available for distribution, allowing the medication to cover a much larger area within the body cavity compared to a single solid tablet
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges the powdering function and administration function into a single integrated applicator system, where the same device that crushes the tablet also serves as the delivery mechanism, eliminating the need for separate powdering and administration steps
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 device ensures complete disintegration of the medication within the body cavity by converting solid unit dosage forms into a powder, preventing slipping out and ensuring uniform distribution, thereby improving administration efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The powdering tool includes a shaft having opposed first and second ends. The shaft extends through the closed end of the cap such that the first end of the shaft is positioned within the cap and the second end of the shaft is positioned exterior to the cap. At least one abrading element is secured to, and projects from, the first end of the shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
The device for powdering a solid unit dosage form of medication and administering the powder form includes an applicator, a powdering tool and, in certain embodiments, a cap. The device is used to create a powder form from a solid unit dosage form, and then administer the powder form to a body cavity of a patient. The cap is provided with an integrated powdering tool, allowing an open end of an applicator barrel to be releasably covered thereby. Manipulation of the powdering tool creates the powder form through abrasion of a solid unit dosage form of the medication received within the barrel. The cap and powdering tool may then be removed, leaving the powder form of the solid unit dosage form to be administered to the body cavity, such as a patient's vagina or rectum.