Fluid Delivery Device with Self-Purging Mixing Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices for dispensing biocomponents, such as fibrin sealants, often clog due to the rapid reaction of components, leading to interruptions and increased costs from frequent tip replacements during intermittent use.
Innovation Solution
A delivery device with a mixing chamber and an expandable outer cover that reduces the mixing area to zero volume when not in use, featuring a swirl chamber for efficient mixing and a small exit aperture for controlled dispensing, allowing for the removal of residual fluids and preventing clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If mixing of biocomponents occurs too soon before application, then the mixture is ready for application, but premature hardening occurs making application impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the mixing chamber into two separate lumens that remain isolated until the moment of dispensing. Each lumen carries a separate biocomponent, and the components are mixed only at the very end in the mixing zone just before the dispensing tip, preventing premature reaction while enabling immediate application when needed.
2Reliability
If delivery devices do not mix components until proximal to dispensing end, then application is possible, but clogging still occurs due to residual components
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a purging mechanism that actively removes residual biocomponents from the mixing chamber and lumens after dispensing. A purging lumen delivers a cleaning fluid that flushes out remaining components through the dispensing tip, extracting the harmful residual materials that would otherwise cause clogging during intermittent use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary purging action automatically after each dispensing event. The purging mechanism is activated to clear residual components before the next use, preventing clogging in advance rather than waiting for it to occur during intermittent operation.
3Reliability
If applicator tips are replaced when clogging occurs, then device functionality is restored, but procedure flow is interrupted and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-purging automatically without requiring manual intervention or tip replacement. The purging mechanism is integrated into the device structure and operates autonomously to clear clogs, allowing the procedure to continue uninterrupted and eliminating the time loss and costs associated with replacing applicator tips.
4Ease of operation
If a mixing chamber is provided for biocomponents, then mixing occurs, but residual fluids remain causing clogging during intermittent use
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces a purging fluid as an intermediary substance that cleans the mixing chamber and lumens. This intermediary fluid flows through the same passages as the biocomponents, displacing and removing residual fluids without requiring disassembly or manual cleaning, thus maintaining the mixing function while eliminating clogging.
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
The device effectively prevents clogging by automatically purging residual fluids and ensuring efficient dispensing of mixed products, reducing the need for frequent tip replacements and maintaining device functionality during intermittent use.
Implementation Method 1
the expandable outer cover reduces the mixing area to zero volume in the absence of force acted thereon
Implementation Method 2
a pin which occupies the exit orifice in the absence of force acted on the expandable outer cover, thereby clearing the exit orifice of any fluid or fluids contained therein
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for delivery of fluids, particularly biological, reactive fluids. The apparatus provides an opening when force is acted on the apparatus, and closure when no force is acted thereon. The apparatus provides a cleaning mechanism to remove fluids and other materials from a mixing space after use.