Fluid Applicator Sleeve Mechanism for Precise Antiseptic Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid applicators for medical procedures face issues with inefficient fluid retention, leading to leakage and imprecise dispensing of antiseptic solutions, causing messy procedures and potential irritation.
Innovation Solution
An applicator system featuring an elongate hollow body with an actuator sleeve and a fluid-containing container, where the actuator sleeve's longitudinal projection distally acts upon the container's cap portion to release fluid to an applicator pad, preventing circumferential translation and ensuring precise fluid delivery.
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 leading to leakage
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 control of fluid dosage 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 dosage delivery.
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 dosage control while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present application pertains to an applicator device for applying a fluid comprising an elongate hollow body (16) having a proximal end and a distal end; an applicator pad (24) disposed at the distal end of the hollow body; and an actuator sleeve (26) to be inserted within the hollow body, the actuator sleeve including at least one longitudinal projection (94) that distally projects; wherein when the actuator sleeve is distally translated within the hollow body, the at least one longitudinal projection distally acts upon a cap portion (40) of a fluid containing container (12), to open the cap portion distally from a main body portion of the fluid containing container, thus releasing the liquid from the container to the applicator pad, the fluid containing container being located within the hollow body such that the cap portion is distally located, and further, the fluid containing container is inhibited from being distally and circumferentially translated.