Liquid-Drawing Package for Hydrophilic Device Spillage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices with liquid-activated hydrophilic coatings face the challenge of liquid spillage when the device is removed from its package due to unobstructed access and free flow of liquid within the package.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a liquid-drawing member, such as a desiccant or hygroscopic agent like glycerol gel, within the package cavity to absorb excess activating liquid, preventing spillage while ensuring the device is adequately activated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid flows freely within the package cavity with unobstructed access to the device surface, then direct contact of liquid medium with the device is achieved and activation is effective, but liquid spillage occurs when the user handles the product
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid-drawing member is introduced as an intermediary element between the activating liquid and the external environment. This member selectively absorbs excess liquid that has not been utilized by the medical device, thereby preventing spillage while allowing adequate liquid contact for device activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful excess liquid is extracted from the system by the liquid-drawing member. This component specifically removes and retains the surplus activating liquid that would otherwise spill, separating the useful liquid (for activation) from the harmful excess liquid.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a liquid-drawing member is added to absorb excess liquid and prevent spillage, then liquid spillage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid-drawing member is designed as a simple, disposable component that is integrated into the single-use package. This approach minimizes complexity by using an inexpensive, non-reusable element that performs its function and is then discarded with the package, avoiding the need for complex reusable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid-drawing member is merged with the package structure, combining the containment function with the liquid absorption function into a single integrated system. This reduces overall complexity by eliminating separate components and simplifying the package design.
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 liquid-drawing member effectively absorbs excess liquid, reducing the risk of spillage and maintaining device activation, ensuring ease of use and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid-drawing member absorbs any excess activating liquid within the cavity that was not absorbed by the at least one portion of the medical device
Implementation Method 2
a liquid-drawing member is located within the interior cavity of the package. The liquid-drawing member absorbs any excess activating liquid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A medical device product (10) comprises a package (12) defining an interior cavity (14), an activating liquid located within the interior cavity of the package, and a medical device (18) located within the interior cavity of the package. At least one portion of the medical device is activated by absorbing an amount of the activating liquid. A liquid-drawing member (20) is located within the interior cavity of the package. The liquid-drawing member absorbs any excess activating liquid within the cavity that was not absorbed by the at least one portion of the medical device.