Dual-Ended Applicator for Precise Tissue Adhesive Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current adhesive applicators for medical adhesives lack precise control over the application of low viscosity fluids, leading to unwanted adhesions and inadequate bond strength, particularly in closing long wounds, where the edges must be fully approximated for application, limiting flexibility and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A dual-chamber applicator with distinct regions for strong, fast-setting and flexible adhesives, allowing separate and controlled dispensing of fluids through separate end portions, enabling precise application of small adhesive spots for bonding and a sealant layer for flexible sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single applicator dispenses low viscosity tissue adhesive, then the adhesive applies easily and wets tissue well, but the application is difficult to control and causes unwanted adhesions
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into two separate dispensing ends: one for strong fast-setting adhesive and one for flexible sealant adhesive. This segmentation allows independent control of each adhesive type, enabling precise application of small spots for bonding while separately applying flexible sealing layers without the runniness problems of single-adhesive applicators.
2Strength
If strong fast-setting adhesive is used for wound closure, then bond strength is improved, but the adhesive layer becomes stiff and reduces flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator combines two different adhesives in one device: strong fast-setting adhesive for initial bond strength and flexible sealant adhesive for sealing and comfort. By merging these two adhesive types and applying them in sequence (bonding first, then sealing), the system achieves both strong bonds and flexible sealing without the compromise required when using single-adhesive systems.
3Area of stationary object
If wide swath of adhesive is applied to seal wound, then sealing coverage is improved, but the layer becomes thick and stiff
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying a single thick layer of adhesive across the entire wound, the system applies thin spots of strong adhesive at bonding locations and then a thin flexible sealant layer along the wound length. This partial application approach provides adequate sealing coverage while maintaining layer thinness and flexibility, avoiding the stiffness that results from thick adhesive applications.
4Reliability
If wound edges are fully approximated before adhesive application, then bonding effectiveness is improved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming for long wounds
Solution Approach 1:
The strong fast-setting adhesive is applied first to create initial bonding points that begin the wound closure process. This preliminary bonding allows the practitioner to then apply the flexible sealant adhesive along the wound length without requiring complete pre-approximation of all wound edges, significantly reducing the time required for long wound closures while maintaining bonding effectiveness.
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 accurate application of strong bonds with reduced stiffness and improved flexibility, allowing for efficient closure and sealing of longer wounds with enhanced control and comfort, reducing the risk of unwanted adhesions and infections.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure device for imparting sufficient pressure to the first fluid to cause egress of same out of the applicator at said first end portion
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator for dispensing two separate tissue adhesives includes a generally elongate body having two distinct interior regions, each containing one of the two tissue adhesives. Hinged levers associated with each region selectively force the expulsion of the adhesive from the end portions of the applicator in response to application of force by the operator.