Elastomeric Applicator Tip for Viscous Biomaterial Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for applying bone wax and other semi-rigid biomaterials to bleeding bone defects are inadequate for softer or more flowable materials, relying on frictional adherence which is not effective for secure application and removal.

Innovation Solution

An applicator with an elongate handle and a flexible, elastomeric tip featuring a bend and conic curvature, designed to conform to the bone surface and include surface features for adherence, allowing precise and uniform application of viscous biomaterials, including those with high viscosity, such as putties and cements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If frictional adherence is used to secure bone wax to the bone, then the wax can be applied and removed from the surgical instrument, but this mode of application is inadequate for softer or more flowable biomaterials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to different biomaterial consistenciesVSAvoidsecure application of biomaterial

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tip material properties are changed from rigid to elastomeric with specific durometer ranges (40-90 Shore A) to match and conform to softer biomaterials, enabling reliable application across different material consistencies through parameter adjustment of the applicator itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The tip is constructed as a flexible elastomeric component that can deform and conform to the contours of the bone surface and softer biomaterials, providing reliable contact and application for flowable materials that rigid instruments cannot accommodate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of manufacture

If a rigid spatula-like instrument is used to apply bone wax, then the instrument structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot conform to irregular bone surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument structure simplicityVSAvoidconformability to bone surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The distal tip is replaced with a flexible elastomeric component that can deform to match irregular bone surfaces while the proximal handle remains simple and rigid for easy manufacture, combining manufacturing ease with surface conformability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument is divided into distinct segments: a simple rigid handle for manufacture and a flexible elastomeric tip for conformability, allowing each part to be optimized independently for its specific function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If bone wax is pressed into bleeding bone defects, then hemorrhage control is achieved, but the application process is inadequate for softer biomaterials requiring different delivery methods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehemorrhage control effectivenessVSAvoidhandling of different biomaterial consistencies

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tip material parameters (durometer, elasticity) are adjusted to match softer biomaterials while maintaining the pressure application capability needed for hemorrhage control, enabling reliable delivery across different material consistencies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric tip acts as an intermediary between the delivery instrument and the biomaterial, adapting the application forces and contact characteristics to suit different material consistencies while achieving the same hemorrhage control outcome

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effective delivery and spreading of biomaterials on irregular bone surfaces, controlling hemorrhage and providing structural support, even in confined spaces, with the ability to handle a range of biomaterial consistencies and temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

a tip coupled to a distal location of the handle portion and formed of an elastomeric material configured to conform to the bone surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The tip also includes a contact surface distal to the bend and including one or more surface features configured to adhere to the viscous material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS9877761B2Applicator with conformable tip

Publication Date: 2018.01.30 ABYRX INC

AI summary

Described herein are applicators for delivery of a viscous material to a bone surface and methods of use. The applicator includes an elongate handle portion and a tip coupled to a distal location of the handle portion and formed of an elastomeric material configured to conform to the bone surface. The tip includes a bend a distance away from the distal location, a contact surface distal to the bend and including one or more surface features configured to adhere to the viscous material, and a front end having a conic curvature. The bend is between about 20 degrees to about 40 degrees from a longitudinal axis of the tip.