Dual-compartment applicator with frangible seal for sterile hydrogel mixing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-ingredient medical compositions face challenges in mixing and dispensing without contamination and maintaining sterility, particularly with conventional syringes that are complex, costly, and difficult to use.
Innovation Solution
A simple and inexpensive applicator system that houses solids and liquids in separate compartments with friable seals, allowing for easy mixing and application, using crushable ampoules and a design that minimizes components and manipulative steps, facilitating the mixing and application of polymerizable hydrogel formulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional syringe is used to mix and dispense dual-ingredient compositions, then the procedure can be completed with standard equipment, but contamination risk increases and sterility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe is divided into two separate compartments (first and second compartments) that remain isolated from each other until the moment of use. Each compartment can be independently filled and sterilized, eliminating cross-contamination risks. The compartments are separated by a frangible barrier that breaks only when needed, allowing sterile maintenance of both ingredients separately.
Solution Approach 2:
A frangible barrier (frangible wall or frangible seal) acts as an intermediary element between the two compartments. This barrier remains intact during storage and filling, maintaining sterility, and breaks only when activation is required to allow mixing. The intermediary protects both compartments from contamination while enabling controlled interaction.
2Reliability
If specialized dual-compartment syringes are used to maintain sterility and enable mixing, then contamination is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions into a single integrated syringe structure: storage of two separate ingredients, independent sterilization capability, mixing mechanism, and dispensing function all within one device. The frangible barrier integrates the separation and activation mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate containers and manual transfer procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe design provides multi-functionality by enabling separate filling of two compartments, independent sterilization of each compartment, automated mixing upon activation, and controlled dispensing of the mixed composition. This single device replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate equipment items and manual操作步骤.
3Ease of operation
If conventional syringes are used for dual-ingredient administration, then equipment availability is maintained, but the number of manipulative steps increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Both compartments are pre-filled with their respective ingredients before use, and the syringe is pre-sterilized. The frangible barrier is pre-positioned to separate the compartments. When the user activates the device, mixing occurs automatically without requiring manual transfer, measurement, or separate preparation steps, significantly reducing procedure time and complexity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If complete mixing of viscous compositions is required after manual shaking, then homogeneity is improved, but additional components and complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing mechanism utilizes dynamic motion (reciprocating movement of the plunger or shaking of the entire syringe) to agitate the contents of the first compartment with the second compartment. This dynamic mixing action, combined with the frangible barrier breakdown, ensures complete homogenization of viscous compositions without requiring additional mixing devices or complex mechanical agitators.
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(C)
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to an applicator system, and methods of use thereof, that can be used to house separately one or more liquids and one or more solids (e.g., components of a polymerizable hydrogel). In certain embodiments, the applicator systems are further designed to facilitate the mixing of the solids and liquids inside the applicator. In addition, iln certain embodiments, the applicator systems are also designed to facilitate the application of the mixture to a surface.