Disposable Liquid Applicator with Flexible Reservoir and Movable Plug

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid applicators for medical adhesives, sealants, and coatings pose a risk of glass fragments exposure due to the mechanical rupture of glass 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 is actuated to allow controlled discharge of the liquid, eliminating the need for a glass ampoule and minimizing the risk of glass fragments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a glass ampoule is used to contain the liquid, then the liquid can be contained and dispensed, but glass fragments may be exposed to the user or patient causing injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid containmentVSAvoidglass fragment exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the glass ampoule from the applicator system entirely. Instead of using a glass container, the liquid is contained in a reservoir formed directly within the plastic housing, eliminating the source of glass fragments while maintaining liquid containment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a disposable plastic applicator with an integrated reservoir that is discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for reusable glass ampoules and associated rupture mechanisms, providing a safe, single-use solution that contains the liquid without glass fragments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of operation

If a porous component is used to discharge liquid, then liquid can be dispensed, but glass pieces may still be retained within the applicator exposing users to risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid dischargeVSAvoidglass piece retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the porous component entirely from the design. Liquid discharge is achieved through a valve mechanism controlled by a trigger, eliminating the need for porous materials that could retain glass fragments while providing controlled liquid flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the porous material discharge mechanism with a mechanical valve system actuated by a trigger. This provides precise control over liquid discharge while ensuring no glass fragments are retained or exposed during the dispensing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If a thin-walled glass ampoule is ruptured mechanically, then the liquid can be released, but the applicator structure becomes complex and fragile

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid releaseVSAvoidapplicator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the liquid reservoir, housing, and dispensing mechanism into a single integrated plastic structure. The reservoir is formed directly within the housing, eliminating the need for separate glass ampoules and complex rupture mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining efficient liquid release capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical rupture of thin-walled glass with a controlled valve opening mechanism actuated by a trigger. This substitution eliminates the fragility and complexity associated with glass rupture while providing reliable and simple liquid release through the valve system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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, reducing the risk of glass fragment exposure and ensuring reliable operation for medical applications.

Implementation Method 1

actuator means for applying an actuating force to the mouth wall to effect movement of the plug towards the outlet portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

squeezing the walls of the reservoir portion to effect discharge of liquid from the reservoir portion via the outlet portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS8807859B2Liquid applicator

Publication Date: 2014.08.19 ADVANCED MEDICAL SOLUTIONS PLYMOUTH

AI summary

A liquid applicator contains a hollow body portion incorporating a reservoir portion for containing a liquid to be applied by the applicator; an outlet portion having first and second ends, the first end being connected to an outlet mouth of the reservoir; an applicator tip assembly provided on the second end of the outlet portion for discharge of liquid from the reservoir portion via said outlet portion; a plug located in the mouth of the reservoir portion; and actuator for applying an actuating force to the mouth wall to effect movement of the plug towards the outlet portion and for squeezing the walls of the reservoir portion to effect discharge of liquid from the reservoir portion via the outlet portion and the applicator device. The liquid to be dispensed is retained in a reservoir that is sealed by a plug until usage.