Fluid Applicator Sleeve and Pad for Precise Leak-Limited Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid applicators for medical procedures, such as antiseptic solution application, face issues with inefficient fluid retention, leakage, and imprecise dosing, leading to messy procedures and potential irritation.
Innovation Solution
The development of an applicator device with a handle and actuator sleeve that guides and releases fluid from a container to an applicator pad, featuring a frangible cap portion and longitudinal translation mechanism for controlled fluid dispensing, ensuring precise application and minimizing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional sponges are used to apply fluid, then the applicator can be simple in structure, but fluid retention is poor and leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into distinct functional segments: a sealed ampoule for fluid storage, a barrier layer to control fluid release, and an applicator head with sponge. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the ampoule provides secure containment, the barrier prevents premature release, and the sponge applies fluid only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid is pre-loaded and sealed within the ampoule during manufacturing, and the applicator is prepared in advance with all components in place. The user simply needs to activate the device by breaking the seal, eliminating the need for separate fluid loading steps and ensuring the fluid is ready for immediate controlled dispensing.
2Ease of operation
If traditional open pan soaking method is used, then the application process is simple, but precise dosing control is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the state of fluid containment from an open system to a sealed, pre-measured system. The ampoule contains a specific volume of fluid at a controlled concentration, and the barrier layer controls the rate and amount of fluid transfer to the applicator head, ensuring precise dosing while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier layer acts as an intermediary between the fluid reservoir and the applicator sponge. It controls the fluid transfer process, allowing precise metering of the fluid from the ampoule to the sponge, thereby enabling accurate dosing while keeping the operation simple for the user.
3Reliability
If internal ampoules are used to store fluid, then fluid containment is improved, but fluid dispensing time is increased due to saturation delay
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a sealed containment state to an active dispensing state through a deliberate activation action. The frangible seal breaks upon user activation, initiating rapid fluid transfer through the barrier layer to the sponge, providing predictable and timely fluid availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier layer transitions from a fluid-blocking state to a fluid-permeable state upon activation. This dynamic change allows the system to maintain secure containment during storage and transport, then rapidly dispense fluid when activated, optimizing both containment reliability and dispensing speed.
4Quantity of substance
If more fluid is dispensed to ensure adequate coverage, then coverage is improved, but leakage and pooling outside targeted area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator design ensures fluid is delivered precisely where needed on the applicator head surface. The barrier layer controls fluid distribution to achieve uniform saturation of the sponge without over-saturation, and the applicator geometry is designed to confine fluid to the intended application area, preventing pooling outside the target zone.
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator device for applying a fluid is provided. The applicator device may include a handle. The handle may comprise an elongate hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one longitudinal, interior rib disposed on an inner surface of an outer wall of the hollow body and configured to orient and guide a container for containing the fluid when the container is disposed within the hollow body. In addition, the applicator device may include a base at the distal end of the hollow body. Further, the applicator device may include an applicator pad coupled to the base.