Multifunctional Polymer Coating for Medical Device Corrosion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices made of metal or metal alloys experience corrosion and deterioration due to moisture issues, leading to malfunctions, and existing solutions fail to effectively provide corrosion resistance and lubricity, limiting the use of less expensive materials.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a multifunctional molecule with sulfur groups to a metal or metal alloy substrate, combined with a polymer molecule to form a coating that bonds via sulfur groups, providing corrosion resistance and lubricity, and can be hydrophilic or hydrophobic depending on the application, using techniques like selective deposition or stamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal or metal alloy substrates are used in medical devices, then structural strength and durability are improved, but corrosion and deterioration due to moisture lead to device malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by creating a coating system that combines a multifunctional molecule with sulfur groups that bond to the metal substrate with a polymer molecule. This composite coating structure provides both corrosion resistance and lubricity, addressing the reliability issue while maintaining the structural strength benefits of metal substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin film coating formed by the multifunctional-polymer molecule that bonds to the metal surface. This thin film provides corrosion protection and lubricity without significantly affecting the structural properties of the underlying metal substrate, effectively resolving the contradiction between strength and corrosion resistance.
2Reliability
If expensive metals or metal alloys are used to ensure corrosion resistance, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a cost-effective polymer coating instead of expensive metals. The coating provides the necessary corrosion protection and lubricity functions, allowing the use of less expensive base metals while achieving the required reliability, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite coating system combines a relatively inexpensive polymer molecule with a multifunctional molecule containing sulfur groups. This composite approach provides corrosion resistance and lubricity at lower cost compared to using expensive corrosion-resistant metals, resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If a coating is applied to provide corrosion resistance, then reliability is improved, but the coating must also provide lubricity to prevent pilling and flaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the multifunctional-polymer molecule coating to simultaneously provide corrosion resistance, lubricity, and adhesion. The sulfur groups bond to the metal substrate for corrosion protection, while the polymer molecule provides lubricity to prevent pilling and flaking, making the coating universally effective against multiple harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite coating structure combines the metal-substrate-bonding capability of the multifunctional molecule with the lubricity-providing properties of the polymer molecule. This composite approach ensures the coating simultaneously protects against corrosion and prevents mechanical deterioration, resolving the contradiction between these two protective functions.
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 effectively prevents corrosion and deterioration, allowing the use of less expensive metals and expanding material options for medical devices, while also imparting properties like antibody detection and antibacterial properties.
Implementation Method 1
the multifunctional molecule or a multifunctional-polymer molecule bonds to the surface via at least one sulfur group of a plurality of sulfur groups of the multifunctional molecule
Implementation Method 2
the polymer molecule bonds to an internal carbon group or a terminal sulfur group of the multifunctional molecule
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of treating a substrate, e.g., forming a coating on the substrate, are described. The method may include applying a solution comprising a multifunctional molecule or a multifunctional-polymer molecule to at least a portion of a surface of the substrate. The surface may comprise a metal or metal alloy and the multifunctional molecule or a multifunctional-polymer molecule may bond to the surface via at least one sulfur group of a plurality of sulfur groups of the multifunctional molecule. The method may include combining the multifunctional molecule with a polymer molecule to form the multifunctional polymer molecule before or after applying the solution. The polymer molecule may bond to an internal carbon group or a terminal sulfur group of the multifunctional molecule.