Capillary Fluid Distribution Pad for Medical Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering topical medications and fluids to body surfaces are wasteful and imprecise, especially for continuous or repeated applications, as they often require large flow rates and lack consistent diffusion over larger areas.
Innovation Solution
A tubular member with a flexible pad featuring capillary channels that communicate with a fluid delivery lumen, allowing for controlled delivery of low volumes of fluid to body surfaces, optionally with vacuum ports for enhanced attachment and fluid distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If absorbent swabs, pads, and/or sponges are used to apply topical medications, then the application process is simple, but the method is wasteful and imprecise with poor control over fluid delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is segmented into multiple capillary channels that distribute fluid through separate pathways, allowing precise control over fluid delivery to different regions of the tissue contact surface. This segmentation enables controlled distribution rather than uncontrolled absorption, improving precision and reducing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses capillary action (a hydraulic principle) within the capillary channels to transport fluid from the fluid delivery lumen through the pad to the tissue contact surface. This passive hydraulic system provides controlled fluid delivery without requiring active pumping, achieving precision while minimizing waste.
2Area of stationary object
If large flow rates are used for continuous or repeated agent delivery, then consistent delivery over larger surface area is achieved, but the volume of fluid required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pad incorporates multiple capillary channels that branch from a single fluid delivery lumen, allowing one fluid source to distribute agent across a large surface area through numerous parallel pathways. This segmentation enables large area coverage with small total fluid volume by distributing the fluid through many small channels rather than requiring large flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point or linear fluid delivery to two-dimensional distribution across the tissue contact surface through the network of capillary channels. This dimensional expansion allows small volumes of fluid to cover large areas by distributing the fluid across the surface area of the pad rather than concentrating it in one location.
3Ease of operation
If traditional absorbent materials are used for continuous application, then simplicity is maintained, but control over flow rate and consistency of delivery is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary channels provide self-regulating fluid delivery through capillary action, which automatically controls the flow rate based on the channel dimensions and fluid properties. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems while maintaining consistent delivery, combining simplicity with reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls delivery consistency by precisely controlling the physical parameters of the capillary channels (diameter, length, orientation) during manufacturing. By fixing these parameters, the capillary action provides predictable and consistent fluid flow rates, improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 precise and consistent delivery of small volumes of fluid over larger surface areas, improving the efficiency and accuracy of medication application.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of capillary channels in the tissue contact surface communicating with the passage, the capillary channels configured to deliver fluid from the fluid delivery lumen and passage to tissue contacted by the tissue contact surface
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are provided for delivering fluids into a patient's body that includes a tubular member including a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, and a fluid delivery lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends; and a flexible pad on the distal end including a tissue contacting surface, a passage communicating with the fluid delivery lumen, and plurality of capillary channels in the tissue contact surface communicating with the passage, the capillary channels configured to deliver fluid from the fluid delivery lumen and passage to tissue contacted by the tissue contact surface.