Invasive Component Helical Coating With Coordinated Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coating invasive medical components, such as catheter tubes, are inefficient in applying a hydrophilic coating uniformly and economically, often requiring excessive coating solution and difficulty in adjusting layer thickness.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a rotation device, application device, linear movement device, and control device, which coordinates rotational speed, application rate, and feed rate to apply viscous coating solution in a helical pattern, ensuring complete coverage and adjustable thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If spraying or immersion methods are used to apply coating solution, then coating coverage is achieved, but excessive coating solution is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical application methods (spraying, immersion, brushing) with a controlled capillary application system. The coating solution is applied through capillary action via a capillary tube that moves along the component surface, allowing precise control of application location and amount, thereby reducing waste while maintaining uniform coating quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the application parameters by controlling the capillary tube's position, movement speed, and the coating solution's viscosity to achieve optimal coating results. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves complete coating coverage with minimal solution consumption, resolving the contradiction between quantity and precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional coating methods are used, then coating is applied to surface, but layer thickness cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the capillary tube's movement along the component surface. The tube can be positioned at different heights and moved at varying speeds, allowing real-time adjustment of coating thickness. This dynamic system enables adaptation to different coating requirements while maintaining precise thickness control through coordinated movement and capillary action.
3Ease of operation
If masking is used to protect areas not to be coated, then selective coating is achieved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-regulating capillary application system that inherently controls coating placement. The capillary tube's physical movement and the capillary action itself guide the coating solution to the exact location needed, eliminating the need for external masking or protective measures. This self-service approach simplifies the process while maintaining selective coating capability.
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
Achieves a homogeneous and complete coating of invasive components with minimal solution consumption by controlling the application process, allowing for adjustable layer thickness and efficient use of coating materials.
Implementation Method 1
The application device is configured for applying the viscous coating solution at a defined application rate... the application device is arranged below the longitudinal axis with respect to the direction of gravity ('standing drop of the viscous coating solution')
Implementation Method 2
The viscous coating solution contains a volatile solvent component, after which the actual coating substance remains on the outer surface in the form of a hydrophilic coating
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for coating a medical invasive component (100) which has a longitudinal axis (101) and a lateral face (102) which is rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis (101) and extends longitudinally in a straight manner, having a rotation device (10) which is configured to clamp and rotate, in a driven manner, the invasive component (100) about its longitudinal axis (101) with a defined rotational speed (U), an application device (20, 20a) which is rotationally immovable relative to the longitudinal axis (101) and which is configured to apply a viscous coating solution (S) onto the lateral face (102) of the rotating invasive component (100) with a defined application rate (R), a linear movement device (30) which is configured to move linearly relatively in a driven manner between the application device (20, 20a) and the rotation device (10) with a defined advancing speed (V) along the longitudinal axis (101) of the rotating invasive component (100), a control device (40) which is configured to control the rotational speed (U) of the rotation device (10), the application rate (R) of the application device (20, 20a) and the advancing speed (V) of the linear movement device (30), wherein the control device (40) is configured to control the rotational speed (U), application rate (R) and advancing speed (V) in a manner coordinated to one another depending on the viscosity (C) of the viscous coating solution (S) such that the viscous coating solution (S) can be applied over the full surface of the lateral face (102) in the form of a helix (H) which overlaps along the longitudinal axis (101).