Hinged Antiseptic Applicator With Locking Angle for Compact Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid delivery devices for antiseptic solutions have angled handles that are permanently fixed, leading to inefficient packaging and transportation due to increased volume, and pose risks of clinician contact with the patient's skin during application.
Innovation Solution
A hinged fluid applicator device with a rotatable handle that locks at an angle to a base plate, featuring a foam applicator for distributing antiseptic solution, allowing transition from a flat delivery condition to a use condition with a predetermined angle up to 90°, and includes a locking mechanism via protrusions and indentations or a living hinge for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle is permanently affixed at an angle to the applicator, then the clinician can apply the antiseptic solution effectively, but the device occupies more volume and requires specialized packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to be movable relative to the applicator, transitioning from a collapsed flat state for compact storage to an extended angled state for effective application. This dynamic configuration allows the device to adapt between transport and usage conditions, resolving the volume vs. operability contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separable components (handle and applicator) connected by a hinge mechanism, allowing independent positioning during transport and use. This segmentation enables the handle to be repositioned from a flat configuration during storage to an angled configuration during application.
2Ease of operation
If the handle is permanently affixed at an angle to the applicator, then the clinician can apply the antiseptic solution effectively, but specialized packaging is required to accommodate the spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism enables the handle to dynamically adjust between a collapsed flat state for standard packaging and an extended angled state for application, eliminating the need for specialized packaging while maintaining operational effectiveness.
3Volume of moving object
If the handle is positioned close to the applicator during transport, then packaging efficiency is improved, but the clinician may contact the patient's skin during application
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to transition from a collapsed flat position near the applicator during transport to an extended angled position during use. This dynamic repositioning maintains compact packaging while ensuring safe distance between the clinician's hand and the patient's skin during application.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is packaged in a predetermined collapsed flat configuration that positions the handle close to the applicator for efficient storage. Before use, the handle is repositioned to an extended angled configuration, preliminarily establishing the safe distance needed to prevent clinician skin contact during application.
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
Enables efficient packaging and transportation by reducing volume, while minimizing clinician exposure risks and ensuring effective application of antiseptic solutions to patient skin.
Implementation Method 1
a foam applicator coupled to the bottom surface of the base plate configured to absorb and distribute an antiseptic solution
Implementation Method 2
the second end of the handle is configured to at least partially rotate about the rod and is configured to lock with the rod in a use condition
Data Source
AI summary
Hinged antiseptic delivery devices and methods are disclosed comprising a fluid applicator device. The fluid applicator device has a handle having a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween, wherein two fingers extend from the second end and define an opening between the two fingers. The fluid applicator device further has a base plate rotatably coupled with the handle, the base plate having a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface includes a first support and a second support disposed thereon, and a rod disposed between the first support and the second support. The fluid applicator device further has a foam applicator coupled to the base plate to absorb and distribute an antiseptic solution, wherein the top surface of the base plate is proximate the handle in a delivery condition and is disposed at an angle to the handle in the use condition.