Dispenser for Adhesive Newtonian Fluid with Diffusing Tip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dispensers for adhesive Newtonian fluids in surgical applications suffer from non-uniform adhesive consistency, rapid polymerization leading to cannula clogging, and inability to control fluid quantity and area coverage, with existing solutions either ineffective for Newtonian fluids or introducing pressure fluctuations from operating room gases.

Innovation Solution

A dispenser design featuring a syringe-based reservoir for the adhesive fluid and a separate propellant gas reservoir, with a diffusing tip that mixes the fluid and gas proximal to the nozzle, using biocompatible HFC134a as propellant, and a confluence element with channels to atomize the mixture, preventing premature polymerization and ensuring uniform deposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If adhesive agents are mixed in the needle as in US4359049, then spray dispensing is achieved, but the mixing is ineffective and produces non-uniform consistency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray dispensing capabilityVSAvoidadhesive consistency uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the adhesive agents into two distinct syringes (first syringe for first adhesive agent, second syringe for second adhesive agent) with separate delivery channels, preventing premature mixing while maintaining spray dispensing capability. The mixing occurs only at the point of application through controlled convergence of the two streams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Carrier gases (first carrier gas from first reservoir, second carrier gas from second reservoir) serve as intermediaries to transport the adhesive agents through separate channels to the mixing zone, enabling controlled delivery and mixing without direct contact in the needle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If operating room gases (CO2) are used as propellant gases, then spray dispensing is achieved, but pressure fluctuations cause significant non-uniformity in sprays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray dispensing capabilityVSAvoidspray uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device changes the propellant gas from operating room gases (CO2 with pressure fluctuations) to controlled carrier gases stored in pressurized reservoirs, stabilizing the pressure parameter to achieve uniform spray delivery while maintaining dispensing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If adhesive compounds polymerize rapidly on impacted surfaces, then surgical operation efficiency is improved, but the cannula becomes easily clogged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical operation efficiencyVSAvoidcannula patency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive agents are kept separate in two syringes until the moment of application, preventing polymerization in the delivery channels. The segmentation ensures that no adhesive contacts a surface that would trigger premature polymerization and clogging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Carrier gases act as intermediaries that deliver the adhesive agents through the channels without the adhesives contacting each other or the channel walls in a manner that would trigger polymerization, maintaining channel patency while enabling rapid polymerization at the target surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If spray orifices are replaced when clogged as in US5116315, then cannula patency is restored, but surgical operation is interrupted and time is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecannula patencyVSAvoidsurgical operation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By maintaining separate streams of adhesive agents in separate channels until application, the system prevents polymerization-induced clogging entirely, eliminating the need for orifice replacement and maintaining continuous surgical operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

5Reliability

If adhesive agents are mixed prior to impact with carrier gases as in US6432084, then polymerization and clogging are prevented, but the use of operating room gases introduces pressure fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecannula patencyVSAvoidspray uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device maintains segmented separate channels for adhesive agents and carrier gases, with mixing occurring only at the point of impact through controlled convergence, preventing premature polymerization while avoiding pressure fluctuations from using operating room gases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes the propellant from operating room gases to controlled carrier gases in pressurized reservoirs, stabilizing pressure parameters to achieve uniform spray delivery while maintaining the mixing-before-impact approach to prevent clogging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 dispenser achieves a thin, uniform film formation on the target surface, prevents cannula clogging, allows precise control over fluid quantity and area coverage, and is easy to use, with a simplified structure and ergonomic design suitable for surgical operations.

Implementation Method 1

a duct (29) for guiding the gas so as to connect the second aperture (6) and an inlet (27) for the gas, a confluence element (9)... where the mixing of the two adhesive agents takes place outside the syringes, directly in the needle, thus proving ineffective

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow mixing: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

Cyanoacrylates are able to polymerize in contact with weak bases, e.g. water or tissue surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 3

a confluence element (9)... provided with a first channel (15a) in which the mixing of the adhesive fluid and the propellant gas takes place, and a second channel (15b) and a third channel (15c) branching off from said first channel (15a)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAtomization: Aerosol

Data Source

PatentEP2174597B1Dispenser for adhesive newtonian fluid
Publication Date: 2011.07.20 GEM SPA
  • EP2174597B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2174597B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2174597B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Dispenser (1) for adhesive Newtonian fluid, comprising: a syringe (5) containing the adhesive fluid; a plunger (23) for pushing the adhesive fluid out of the outlet spout of the syringe (5); an inlet (27) for a propellant gas; means (28) for mixing the adhesive fluid coming out from the syringe (5) and the propellant gas coming from said inlet (27) in order to obtain a mixture deliverable by atomization on a surface, said mixing means (28) being shaped in such a way that the mixing of the adhesive fluid and the propellant gas takes place in proximity to an open end (14a) of a cannula or catheter (14) of the dispenser (1).