Compacted Iron Graphite Copper Bolus for Controlled Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current controlled release bolus designs for ruminant animals are complex and costly to produce, with high component counts and material inefficiencies, particularly affecting smaller animals like sheep where cost savings are needed.
Innovation Solution
A bolus design using structural units compacted from a mixture of powdered iron, graphite, and copper, with graphite at 2-7wt% and copper at 0-5wt%, which enhances strength, density, and corrosion properties, allowing for a simpler and more economical manufacturing process while maintaining effective release of active agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional multi-component bolus designs are used, then the release function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (plastic segments, rubber washers, sealing elements, and structural supports) into a single integrated structural element made from compacted iron-graphite-copper mixture. This merging eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly operations, directly reducing both device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining the controlled release function.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, acts as a sealing barrier, functions as a timing mechanism through galvanic corrosion, and serves as the active agent delivery system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity and manufacturing requirements.
2Reliability
If iron and graphite are used in erodable tablets, then galvanic corrosion is promoted, but the structural strength and integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structural element from a compacted mixture of iron, graphite, and copper powders. This composite material provides both the galvanic corrosion properties needed for controlled release and the structural strength required for device integrity. The specific composition (iron: 88-98wt%, graphite: 2-7wt%, copper: 0-5wt%) optimizes both corrosion performance and mechanical strength, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
3Productivity
If multiple separate components are assembled, then the release mechanism is achieved, but the production time and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple separate components into a single integrated structural element, the patent eliminates all assembly steps required to combine segments, washers, and sealing elements. The single component can be manufactured as a complete functional unit, dramatically increasing production speed and eliminating assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural element is pre-formed with all necessary features (sealing surfaces, corrosion sites, active agent compartments, and structural supports) during the single compaction process. This preliminary action of incorporating all functional features in one manufacturing step eliminates subsequent assembly operations, thereby increasing productivity.
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 use of iron, graphite, and copper in the bolus design reduces production complexity and costs while ensuring effective and sustained release of active agents, improving physical properties and corrosion mechanisms, making it suitable for both cattle and sheep.
Implementation Method 1
The device operates by the progressive shortening of the magnesium support rod in the rumen fluid which results in the periodic discard of segments and release of active tablets
Implementation Method 2
The function of the graphite is to make the tablet electrically conductive and provide the electrode to promote galvanic corrosion of the magnesium shell
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A structural element (2), suitable for use in the manufacture of a release device for intraruminal administration of an active agent to a ruminant animal, is of a compacted material, which material comprises a mixture of powdered iron, graphite and optionally copper, the graphite being present in the mixture in an amount of from 2 to 7wt%, the copper in an amount of from 0 to 5wt% and the iron in an amount of from 88 to 98wt%, by weight of the total weight of iron, copper and graphite. A plurality of structural elements (2) may be assembled to provide a structural unit (4) of a release device.