Contoured Roller Disinfectant Applicator for Curved Surface Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid applicator devices are inefficient, time-consuming, and fail to provide uniform coverage on curved surfaces, while also compromising the sterility of the liquid due to exposure to ambient air, leading to contamination and chemical reactions.
Innovation Solution
The development of a liquid applicator device featuring a cylindrical or non-cylindrical roller with a serrated surface, supported by a frame with hinges of varying angles, and a perforated plate connected to a sterile reservoir via a one-way valve system, which maintains sterility by preventing air contact and allows for uniform application on curved surfaces through rolling or dragging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional sponge or brush applicator is used, then the device can be simple in structure, but it fails to provide uniform coverage on curved surfaces and is time-consuming to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a contoured roller with a curved surface that matches the curvature of the application surface (e.g., skull curvature for disinfection). This curved roller design enables uniform liquid distribution across curved surfaces, significantly improving application efficiency and coverage uniformity compared to traditional flat sponges or brushes.
2Ease of operation
If the liquid reservoir is open to allow liquid flow, then the liquid can be easily dispensed, but the liquid is exposed to ambient air causing contamination and chemical reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes an air-displacement mechanism where sterile liquid flows into the reservoir, pushing air out through a filter. Once filled, the reservoir becomes sealed with liquid above the liquid level, creating an inert liquid environment that prevents ambient air contact. This maintains liquid sterility while allowing easy dispensing through the contoured roller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a filter as an intermediary component between the liquid reservoir and the ambient environment. The filter allows air to be displaced during filling while preventing contamination during storage and use. This intermediary element enables both easy liquid dispensing and maintained sterility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-radius roller is used, then the roller structure is simple, but it cannot conform to surfaces with varying curvatures
Solution Approach 1:
The contoured roller is designed with a specific curvature radius that matches the target surface (e.g., adult skull curvature). This specialized curved design allows the roller to conform to the surface geometry, ensuring uniform liquid application across curved areas while maintaining a relatively simple roller structure without moving parts.
4Productivity
If multiple applicator devices are used to provide multiple doses, then each device can be simple and sterile, but it is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single applicator device with a large-capacity reservoir that can deliver multiple doses of liquid through the contoured roller. The reservoir is sized to contain sufficient liquid for multiple applications, making the device universal for repeated use. This eliminates the need to prepare multiple separate applicators, significantly reducing time and improving efficiency for multiple dose applications.
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 uniform and efficient application of liquids on both flat and curved surfaces while maintaining the sterility of the liquid, preventing contamination and chemical reactions, and allowing for multiple doses over time.
Implementation Method 1
a first one-way valve in direct or fluid communication with the sealed internal cavity of the container which forms the fluid reservoir... configured to only allow the liquid within the reservoir to flow in the direction out of the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The container can thereby be used as a handle of the device, and used to dispense all (or a selective amount) of the liquid from the reservoir onto/into the roller of the device
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid disinfectant applicator device, the device includes: a frame, a pair of axle portions that are movable coupled to the frame at varying angles therebetween, an absorbable roller rotatably mounted on the pair of axle portions, a sealed resilient container, at least one conduit and a perforated plate.