Medical Device Coating via Solid CO2 Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for coating medical devices, such as stents, often result in non-uniform coatings, webbing issues, and damage during the removal of supporting apparatus, leading to bare areas and defects.
Innovation Solution
The method involves applying a mask to the surface of the device, forming a solid carbon dioxide plug to shield the opposite surface, and then applying the coating to the exposed surface, which sublimates to prevent tearing and webbing, allowing for uniform coating without damaging the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional coating processes (dipping, spraying, vapor deposition) are used to coat medical devices, then coatings can be applied to the device surface, but the coatings are non-uniform in thickness and exhibit webbing around contact points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies masking tape to the device surface before coating to pre-definethe areas that should not be coated. This preliminary action prevents coating material from reaching contact points and creates uniform coating thickness by eliminating webbing formation around support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces masking tape as an intermediary element between the coating material and the device surface. This mediator blocks the coating material from adhering to contact points and supporting apparatus, preventing webbing and enabling uniform coating application.
2Ease of operation
If supporting apparatus is used to hold the device during coating, then the device can be positioned for coating application, but coating material collects around contact points causing webbing that removes coating from the device
Solution Approach 1:
The masking tape is applied to the device surface before the coating process begins, pre-defining the coating boundaries and protecting areas where supporting apparatus will contact the device. This prevents coating material from collecting around contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
Masking tape serves as an intermediary barrier between the coating material and the device surface at contact points. It allows the supporting apparatus to hold the device in position while preventing coating material from adhering to the support structures, thus eliminating webbing.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple coating steps are used to apply different coating materials or allow drying, then complete coating coverage can be achieved, but the process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The masking tape is applied in advance to define the coating areas, allowing a single coating step to achieve the desired pattern without requiring multiple steps for correction or additional masking. This reduces the overall coating process time while maintaining complete and uniform coverage.
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
This approach ensures uniform coating application without webbing or bridging, reduces the risk of coating damage, and eliminates the need for multiple coating steps, resulting in a more effective and efficient coating process for medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
In one embodiment, the solid carbon dioxide will sublimate thereby eliminating or reducing the tearing of the coating
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are provided for coating a first surface of a device while also preventing coating of a second surface of the device by forming a covering of solid carbon dioxide on the second surface. In one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for coating a luminal surface of a device while masking the abluminal surface with a covering of solid carbon dioxide. In another embodiment, a method is provided for coating the abluminal surface of the device while covering the luminal surface of the device with solid carbon dioxide.