Applicator Tube Valve System for Paste Waste Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current applicator tubes for delivering viscous fluids in endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures face challenges in efficiently emptying residual paste, leading to waste and potential mechanical damage, especially in procedures where time constraints and precision are critical, such as surgical applications.
Innovation Solution
An applicator tube with a valve system that allows aspiration and expression of gas to empty residual paste without the need for additional parts, enabling faster and more efficient paste application and reuse, by integrating a one-way valve system that allows gas aspiration from the surroundings and expression into the delivery tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a syringe is used to deliver paste through an applicator tube, then precise dosage and spatial precision are achieved, but residual paste remains in the tube causing waste and potential mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by introducing gas (air or insufflation gas) into the applicator tube to pressurize and expel residual paste. The valve system controls gas flow direction, allowing gas to be introduced proximal to the distal end of the tube, creating pressure that forces remaining paste outward through the distal end, thereby minimizing waste without compromising dosage precision during initial application
2Loss of substance
If a ram rod or stylus is used to discharge residual paste from the applicator tube, then paste waste is reduced, but the procedure requires two hands and increases time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system enables the applicator tube to empty itself without requiring external tools like ram rods. By manipulating the valve to its second configuration, gas flow is directed into the tube to self-propel residual paste outward, eliminating the need for additional manual intervention and reducing procedure time while maintaining waste reduction
3Loss of substance
If the applicator tube is emptied using a separate stylus or ram rod, then residual paste is discharged, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system integrates multiple functions into a single component attached to the proximal end of the applicator tube. It combines paste delivery, gas aspiration, and paste expulsion functions, eliminating the need for separate emptying tools. The valve's dual configuration allows it to control both paste flow during application and gas flow during emptying, simplifying the overall system and improving ease of operation
4Loss of substance
If gas is introduced into the applicator tube to empty residual paste, then paste waste is reduced and procedure time is shortened, but the valve system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple roles: controlling paste delivery during application, aspirating gas from the environment or insufflation source, and directing gas into the tube for paste expulsion. This multi-functionality, achieved through a single valve mechanism with two configurations, justifies the added complexity by eliminating multiple separate components and simplifying the overall emptying 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
The solution significantly reduces paste waste, facilitates quicker surgical procedures, and allows for easy reuse of the applicator tube by efficiently emptying residual paste using gas pressure, thereby minimizing mechanical stress and time consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a valve system attached to a proximal end of the delivery tube and configured for attachment to the syringe, the valve system having a first configuration allowing aspiration of gas from the tube surroundings, and a second configuration allowing expression of aspirated gas into the delivery tube
Data Source
AI summary
The invention regards an applicator tube for delivering a paste from a syringe, comprising: a delivery tube comprising a distal end for delivering the paste, and a valve system attached to a proximal end of the delivery tube and configured for attachment to the syringe, the valve system having a first configuration allowing aspiration of gas from the surroundings, and a second configuration allowing expression of aspirated gas into the delivery tube, such that the applicator tube is configured for transporting a volume of aspirated gas into and through the delivery tube when an attached syringe is aspirated and expressed.