Integral Lever Liquid Applicator Ampoule Fracture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid applicators for surgical prep are often complex, cumbersome, and difficult to use, with either multipart designs that are hard to manufacture or single-material designs that result in inefficient, non-cylindrical shapes due to the need for rigid materials to fracture ampoules effectively.
Innovation Solution
A liquid applicator with an elongated hollow body and an integral lever design, where the lever includes a hinge, grip, and foot, with tapered trusses and a brace, allowing for efficient ampoule fracture using flexible, low modulus materials, reducing the complexity and improving ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid, high modulus materials are used in the lever to fracture the ampoule effectively, then the ampoule fracture function is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is integrated directly into the hollow body as a single piece structure, eliminating the need for separate multipart assemblies. The lever comprises a hinge portion, grip portion, and foot portion all formed as one integral component with tapered trusses, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the rigid structure needed for effective ampoule fracture.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator uses composite construction with the lever and hollow body formed from rigid materials (such as polypropylene or polycarbonate) while the ampoule contains the liquid. This allows the structural components to provide the necessary strength for ampoule fracture while the overall design remains simplified through integral construction.
2Strength
If rigid, high modulus materials are used in the lever to fracture the ampoule effectively, then the ampoule fracture function is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is integrated directly into the hollow body as a single piece structure, eliminating the need for separate multipart assemblies. The lever comprises a hinge portion, grip portion, and foot portion all formed as one integral component with tapered trusses, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the rigid structure needed for effective ampoule fracture.
3Ease of operation
If flexible, low modulus materials are used in the hollow body, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to fracture the ampoule effectively deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow body is constructed with varying wall thicknesses: thicker walls in the handle region for structural support and comfort, and thinner walls in the crush region to allow effective ampoule fracture. The lever is formed of rigid material specifically at the foot portion where crushing force is applied, while the overall applicator can use flexible materials for user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator uses composite construction with the lever and hollow body formed from rigid materials (such as polypropylene or polycarbonate) while the ampoule contains the liquid. This allows the structural components to provide the necessary strength for ampoule fracture while the overall design remains simplified through integral construction.
4Ease of operation
If the wall thickness in the crush region is reduced, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow body is constructed with varying wall thicknesses: thicker walls in the handle region for structural support and comfort, and thinner walls in the crush region to allow effective ampoule fracture. This localized thickness variation provides both structural integrity where needed and compliance in the crush region.
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 design allows for effective ampoule fracture with lower applied forces, enhancing user experience and simplifying construction while maintaining mechanical integrity, thus providing a more efficient and user-friendly surgical prep solution.
Implementation Method 1
A lever is integral with the hollow body and comprises a hinge projecting from a first location attached to the hollow body to a second location, a grip extending from the second location to a third location, and a foot integral to the wall adjacent the crush region
Implementation Method 2
A first ampoule formed of a frangible material is located in the internal chamber proximate the crush region and containing the liquid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b~5
AI summary
Liquid applicators are described. The applicators (100) include a lever (130) having a hinge (132), grip (134) and foot (136) integrally formed with a hollow body suitable for receiving a liquid-filled ampoule. The foot is positioned adjacent the ampoule and crushes the ampoule when the lever is depressed.