Light Switchable Adhesive Therapy Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing therapy systems face challenges such as contamination and infection risks due to the ease of reuse of single-use disposable components, and difficulties in disconnecting components with pressure-sensitive adhesives, especially for vulnerable populations like children, elderly, and less-abled individuals. Additionally, conventional light switchable adhesives require separate devices and restrict patient mobility.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of light switchable adhesive (LSA) connection points in therapy systems, which utilize a light source integrated into the system to activate the LSA, allowing for secure connections that can be easily and safely disconnected with reduced peel strength, preventing reuse and reducing contamination risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If pressure sensitive adhesives are used to create strong fluid tight seals, then connection strength is improved, but ease of disconnection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of disconnection

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive transitions from a static strong-bond state to a dynamic weakened state through light exposure. The adhesive's bonding properties change over time and conditions, allowing strong initial connection followed by easy disconnection when activated by light, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and ease of disconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive's key parameter (peel strength) is changed from high to low through light activation. This parameter change enables the adhesive to provide strong bonding during use, then easily allow disconnection when exposed to light, simultaneously achieving both strong connection and easy disconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If robust mechanical interlock designs are used, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of reuse increases (leading to contamination risks)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of reuse

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive is designed as a single-use component that loses its bonding capability after light activation. This disposable nature prevents reuse and contamination while maintaining reliable connection during the intended single use period, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and preventing reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive is pre-configured with light-sensitive properties that will permanently weaken its bonding after activation. This preliminary design ensures that once the component is disconnected via light activation, it cannot be effectively reused, preventing contamination while maintaining reliable initial connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If conventional light switchable adhesives are used, then ease of disconnection is improved, but device complexity increases due to separate activation devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of disconnectionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light source is merged with the therapy system rather than being a separate device. This integration eliminates the need for external activation devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ease of disconnection benefit provided by light switchable adhesive properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated light source serves multiple functions within the therapy system, including activating the adhesive for disconnection and potentially other therapeutic functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices, lowering overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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 use of light switchable adhesive connection points in therapy systems provides secure single-use connections, prevents reuse of components, reduces infection and contamination risks, and facilitates easy assembly and disconnection, even for vulnerable populations, while eliminating the need for separate activation devices.

Implementation Method 1

a light switchable adhesive configured to transition from a first state to a second state in response to being exposed to light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight switchable adhesive transition: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS12268835B2Apparatus, system, and method for therapy system components employing light switchable adhesives

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

This disclosure describes devices, systems, and methods related to a connection point of a therapy system which includes light switchable adhesive and is configured to be switched by light provided by and/or via one or more components of the therapy system. An example of a connection point is an interface between two tubes of therapy system. An example of light provided to the exemplary connection point is light provided to one of the two tubes such that the light travels to the connection point, via at least the one tube, to switch the light switchable adhesive.