Disposable Topical Application System with Sterile Dosing Area
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users seek cost-effective and convenient methods for applying dispensable products like medications and cosmetics in a sterile and controlled manner, with existing applicators often failing to prevent over- or under-dosing and being inefficient in dispensing the right amount.
Innovation Solution
A disposable topical application system featuring a hand-held applicator with a sterile dosing area, such as a brush, sponge, or dropper, integrated with a container that allows for precise application of a recommended amount of product, preventing inadvertent dispensing and allowing for refillability for multiple uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a disposable container with applicator is used, then sterility and controlled dosing are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the container and applicator into a single integrated disposable unit. The applicator is positioned within the container such that the dosing area is exposed through an opening in the container bottom, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining sterility and controlled dosing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable container-applicator assembly that is discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance of reusable components, reducing operational complexity and ensuring sterility without requiring complex reusable systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If a reusable applicator is used, then device cost is reduced, but sterility and dosing control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable container-applicator assembly that is inexpensive to manufacture and discard. The low cost of the disposable unit allows for affordable single-use application, eliminating the need for expensive reusable systems while ensuring sterility and consistent dosing control through the engineered dosing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the application system into a disposable container component and a separate applicator component that can be refilled. This allows the expensive reusable applicator to be separated from the disposable container, maintaining sterility in the container while reducing overall device cost through reuse of the applicator.
3Measurement precision
If the applicator is designed for precise dosing, then medication safety is improved, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific dosing area on the applicator with dimensions precisely engineered to deliver the recommended amount of product. The dosing area is located at the tip of the applicator where it contacts the skin, providing precise dosing control without requiring complex mechanisms or difficult operations from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a preliminary action by pre-positioning the applicator within the container and pre-defining the dosing area dimensions before use. The applicator is already configured with the correct size and position to deliver the precise dosage, eliminating the need for the user to measure or adjust during application.
4Reliability
If a single-use applicator is used, then sterility is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into a disposable container and a reusable applicator that can be refilled. The applicator can be removed from the container, cleaned, and refilled with fresh product, allowing multiple uses before disposal. This reduces product waste compared to complete disposable units while maintaining sterility through the disposable container portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by allowing the applicator to be recovered and reused after the container is discarded. The applicator can be cleaned and refilled for multiple uses, recovering the value of the applicator component while discarding only the disposable container portion, thereby reducing overall substance loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable topical application system having a substantially flexible and separable sterile container having a dispensable product, and a sterile applicator. The separable container formed of two major sections, such that the dispensable product is in the first section and the applicator in the second section. A fluid communication defined between the first and section sections. The second section being separable from first section, thus exposing the applicator. Application of gentle manual force pushes the dispensable product from the first section to the application, via the fluid communication therein. The dispensable product, such as lip gloss, lotion, and the like, contained in the container, is thereby permitted to flow through from the first section into the applicator.