Strip-Like Conduit-Narrowing Device with Molecular Silicone Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing band-shaped medical devices face reliability issues under high forces due to weak bonding between sections made of different silicone compositions, leading to partial destruction and impaired function and wearer comfort, particularly in applications like the anus area.
Innovation Solution
A connecting section composed of a mixture of two silicone compositions with different Shore A hardnesses forms a molecular bond, eliminating the need for adhesives, allowing high force resistance without cracking and enabling a simple design without material accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adhesive bonding is used to connect sections made of different silicone compositions, then the device can be assembled with different material properties, but the bond reliability deteriorates under high forces leading to partial destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bonding function with the silicone material itself by using a multi-component silicone composition system. The first and second silicone compositions are combined in a curing agent-containing composition that forms an integrated bond between sections, eliminating the need for separate adhesive layers and achieving both material differentiation and reliable bonding through a unified material system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite silicone materials consisting of multiple silicone compositions with different Shore A hardness values mixed with a curing agent. This composite approach allows different sections to exhibit different mechanical properties while the chemical compatibility of the silicone components ensures strong inter-sectional bonding that can withstand high forces without failure.
2Reliability
If large overlap areas are provided to ensure bond strength, then bonding reliability improves, but device stiffness increases impairing function and wearer comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of bonding from mechanical adhesion (requiring large overlap areas) to chemical bonding through the curing agent-containing silicone composition. This allows strong bonding with minimal overlap area, preserving device flexibility and wearer comfort while achieving reliable section connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If adhesive layers are used for bonding, then assembly is simplified, but the bond fails under high forces causing device malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding function is merged into the silicone composition itself by incorporating a curing agent that enables chemical bonding between sections. This eliminates the need for separate adhesive materials and processes, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving superior bond strength that withstands high forces without failure.
4Reliability
If multiple adhesive layers and large overlap areas are used, then bond reliability under high forces improves, but device complexity and material accumulation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bonding function from separate adhesive materials and integrates it directly into the silicone composition system. By using a curing agent-containing composition that bonds sections chemically, the design eliminates complex multi-layer adhesive structures and large overlap areas, achieving reliable bonding with simplified device architecture.
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 molecular crosslinking between silicone compositions provides a reliable, high-force-resistant bond, ensuring device functionality and comfort by avoiding stiffening and material accumulation, thus enhancing patient experience.
Implementation Method 1
The molecules of the different silicone compositions crosslink and/or link directly with each other at the molecular level in the bonding section.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a strip-like medical device (10) for narrowing a bodily conduit (30) of a patient, the device (10) being able to be placed around the body tissue surrounding the bodily conduit (30), and the device (10) comprising: a first section (1) made of a first silicone composition (la), and a second section (2) made of a second silicone composition (2a) which has a lower Shore A hardness than the first silicone composition (la), and a connecting section (4) which integrally joins the first section (1) to the second section (2), the first section (1) having a first closure part (11) and the second section (2) having a second closure part (12) by means of which the device (10) can be closed to form a ring which encloses a through opening (16) for the body tissue surrounding the bodily conduit (30), the connection section (4) consisting of a mixture of the first silicone composition (la) and the second silicone composition (2a).