Disposable Liquid Applicator with Moveable Plug for Safe Adhesive Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid applicators for medical adhesives, sealants, and coatings, particularly those that polymerize on application, pose a risk of glass fragments exposure due to mechanical rupture of ampoules, which can lead to user or patient injury.
Innovation Solution
A disposable liquid applicator design featuring a hollow body with a flexible reservoir and a moveable plug that seals the reservoir until actuated, eliminating the need for glass ampoules and incorporating actuator means to control the discharge of the liquid through a flexible outlet system, reducing the risk of glass exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a glass or plastic ampoule is used to contain liquid medical adhesive, then the liquid can be stored and dispensed effectively, but there is a risk of glass fragments causing injury to user or patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the glass ampoule from the applicator system entirely, extracting the harmful element while preserving the liquid containment function through a flexible reservoir made of medical-grade plastic that can be safely disposed of
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable flexible reservoir instead of a durable glass ampoule, sacrificing long-term reusability to eliminate glass fragment risks. The flexible reservoir is designed for single-use, ensuring safety while maintaining functional effectiveness
2Ease of operation
If a moveable plug system is used to seal the reservoir, then controlled discharge is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first region with protrusions that engage the plug to initiate movement, and a second region with squeezing surfaces that compress the flexible reservoir. This segmentation allows complex functions to be achieved through simple, modular geometric features rather than complicated mechanical assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible reservoir's own elasticity serves the dual purpose of containing the liquid and providing the squeezing force needed for discharge. The material's inherent elastic properties eliminate the need for separate spring mechanisms or complex actuation systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining controlled discharge functionality
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 solution provides a safe and controlled dispensing mechanism for medical adhesives and coatings, avoiding the risks associated with glass fragments and ensuring precise application, suitable for use with polymerizing cyanoacrylate compounds.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator means are adapted to apply an actuating force to the mouth wall to effect movement of the plug from its first position to the second position
Implementation Method 2
the walls of the reservoir portion are of flexible material to allow the actuator means to squeeze the walls of the reservoir portion to effect controlled discharge of liquid therefrom
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid applicator (1) comprises: (a) a hollow body portion (2) incorporating (i) a reservoir portion (4) for containing a liquid to be applied by the applicator, and (ii) an outlet portion (5) having first and second ends, the first end being connected to an outlet mouth (6) of the reservoir, (b) an applicator tip assembly (3) provided on the second end of the outlet portion (5) for discharge of liquid from the reservoir portion (4) via said outlet portion (5), (c) a plug (12) located in the mouth (6) of the reservoir portion (4) , said plug (12) and mouth (6) being configured so that the plug (12) is moveable towards the applicator tip assembly (3) from a first position at which it seals the reservoir portion (4) to a second position at which fluid may follow out of the reservoir portion (4), and (d) actuator means (24, 25) for applying an actuating force to the mouth wall to effect movement of the plug (12) towards the outlet portion (5), and for squeezing the walls of the reservoir portion (4) to effect discharge of liquid from the reservoir portion via the outlet portion (5) and the applicator device.