Frangible Ampoule Applicator for One-Handed Small-Volume Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators for dispensing small volumes of cyanoacrylate monomer solutions are difficult to activate, especially with one hand, and often result in excessive solution delivery for small treatment areas, posing challenges for conditions like ostomies.
Innovation Solution
An applicator design featuring a hollow body with a frangible ampoule, spacer, and cap that allows single-handed activation and controlled release of a small volume of solution, using a frangible ampoule housed in an activation region with a filter to prevent ampoule shards and maintain ergonomic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a frangible ampoule is used to contain cyanoacrylate monomer solution, then the solution can be sealed and protected from degradation, but the applicator becomes difficult to activate especially with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The activation region is segmented from the rest of the hollow body through a frangible barrier, allowing the user to activate the device by applying force to a specific localized area. This segmentation enables one-handed activation while maintaining the sealed protection of the frangible ampoule.
Solution Approach 2:
A frangible barrier acts as an intermediary between the activation region and the frangible ampoule. When force is applied to the activation region, the frangible barrier breaks, releasing the solution without requiring direct manipulation of the ampoule itself, thus facilitating one-handed operation.
2Reliability
If a frangible ampoule is used to contain the solution, then the solution is protected from ambient conditions, but excessive solution may be delivered for small treatment areas
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed to deliver solution locally to the activation region, which is positioned to contact only the specific treatment area. This localized delivery mechanism ensures that cyanoacrylate monomer solution is applied precisely where needed, preventing waste on surrounding areas while maintaining the protective sealing of the frangible ampoule during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible ampoule contains a controlled volume of solution that is sufficient for the intended small treatment area (0.5 mL to 2 mL), avoiding the excessive action of delivering more solution than needed. The partial activation through the frangible barrier ensures only the required amount is released.
3Ease of operation
If the hollow body is designed for ergonomic single-handed use, then ease of operation is improved, but controlling the release of small volumes of solution becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible ampoule is pre-filled with a precise volume of solution (0.5 mL to 2 mL) appropriate for small treatment areas. The activation region and frangible barrier are pre-positioned to ensure that when activated by simple hand-squeezing, the solution is released in the correct amount without requiring complex volume control mechanisms during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible barrier automatically controls the release of solution when the activation region is compressed. The mechanical design of the frangible barrier and activation region works together to self-regulate the solution flow, providing precise volume control through the simple ergonomic action of hand-squeezing without requiring additional control 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
Facilitates easy, controlled application of small volumes of substances like cyanoacrylate monomers to small skin areas, reducing waste and ensuring reliable delivery with minimal effort, suitable for non-clinical settings.
Implementation Method 1
A frangible ampoule contains the substance. At least a portion of the frangible ampoule is located in the activation region
Implementation Method 2
The hollow body includes a filter, wherein the frangible ampoule is located in the hollow body between the filter and the distal end of the spacer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An applicator (100) comprising an elongated hollow body (120) comprising a distal portion (123), a proximal portion (124) having an open end, an exterior surface (127), an interior surface (126), and a filter (135). The interior surface of the applicator defines an internal chamber suitable for receiving an ampoule (160) formed of a frangible material located in the internal chamber proximal to the filter. A spacer (185) having a distal end and a proximal end is provided, and a cap (180) having a proximal portion, a distal portion, an exterior surface, and an interior surface is provided that attaches to the open end of the applicator and maintains the ampoule and spacer in their respective desired positions. The applicator comprises a head (140) including an absorbent component (110) that is capable of absorbing the contents of the frangible ampoule and facilitates applying the contents to the desired surface.