Flexible Tip Dispensing Device Prevents Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-component dispensing systems for biological sealants and adhesives often clog due to rapid reactivity of fluid components, leading to incomplete hardening, tip clogging, and potential patient trauma from ejected obstructions, with elastomeric diaphragms being difficult to control and prone to rupture.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning dispensing applicator with a sheath, chamber coupler, flexible tip, and spring mechanism that transitions between dispensing and non-dispensing states, minimizing mixing volume to prevent clogging and automatically clean the mixing chamber by deforming the flexible tip to push residual fluid out before closing the outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric diaphragm is used to prevent clogging, then clogging is prevented, but the diaphragm is difficult to control and degrades over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastomeric diaphragm from the dispensing device entirely, replacing it with a rigid tip structure that has a fixed opening. This extraction of the problematic component eliminates the control difficulties and degradation issues while maintaining the clogging prevention function through the rigid, non-deforming tip design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable rigid tip that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for controlling and maintaining an elastomeric diaphragm. The disposable nature ensures that any potential degradation or control issues do not affect subsequent uses, as each tip is fresh and functional.
2Reliability
If elastomeric diaphragm is used to prevent clogging, then clogging is prevented, but the diaphragm may burst or rupture under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastomeric diaphragm from the dispensing device entirely, replacing it with a rigid tip structure that has a fixed opening. This extraction of the problematic component eliminates the control difficulties and degradation issues while maintaining the clogging prevention function through the rigid, non-deforming tip design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a rigid tip made from non-elastomeric material that combines structural integrity with pressure resistance. The rigid material does not degrade or rupture under high pressure like elastomeric materials, providing a safer and more reliable dispensing mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If mixing volume is increased to ensure complete mixing, then mixing quality improves, but the risk of clogging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mixing chamber that can change its volume during operation. The mixing chamber expands during the dispensing phase to allow complete mixing of the multi-component fluid, then contracts during the non-dispensing phase to minimize residual fluid and prevent clogging. This dynamic volume adjustment resolves the contradiction between mixing quality and clogging risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic volume changes in the mixing chamber - expanding during dispensing for complete mixing, then contracting during idle periods to prevent clogging. This periodic action between mixing and cleaning states allows the system to achieve both complete mixing and clogging prevention.
4Reliability
If tip is made rigid to prevent clogging, then clogging is prevented, but the tip cannot self-clean effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mixing chamber that can change its volume during operation. The mixing chamber expands during the dispensing phase to allow complete mixing of the multi-component fluid, then contracts during the non-dispensing phase to minimize residual fluid and prevent clogging. This dynamic volume adjustment resolves the contradiction between mixing quality and clogging risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the mixing chamber to automatically clean itself through its own volume contraction mechanism. When the chamber contracts during the non-dispensing phase, it naturally pushes residual fluid out through the opening, eliminating the need for separate self-cleaning components or complex cleaning mechanisms.
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
Prevents clogging and ensures complete dispensing of multi-component fluids while automatically cleaning the applicator between uses, reducing the risk of patient trauma and extending the device's operational life by maintaining fluid flow and preventing obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned between the distal end of the sheath and the chamber coupler
Implementation Method 2
the restriction member extends over the flexible tip and deforms the flexible tip such that the mixing volume is reduced and the outlet is substantially closed
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An assembly for mixing and dispensing a multi-component fluid includes a sheath having first and second fluid chambers, a chamber coupler, and a flexible tip. The chamber coupler forms first and second fluid channels. Additionally, the flexible tip forms a mixing chamber with a variable mixing volume and an outlet. The flexible tip is coupled to the chamber coupler near a distal end of the sheath. In the presence of an activation force, the flexible tip is forced out of the sheath and positioned in a dispensing state with a maximum mixing volume. In the absence of the activation force, the flexible tip is housed within the sheath and positioned in a non-dispensing state with a minimum mixing volume such that the outlet is substantially closed.