Remote Dispensing Unit for Biphasic Compound Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mixers for biphasic compounds in arthroplasty procedures face challenges in maintaining sterility during phase mixing and dispensing, are complex to operate, and expose operators to radiation due to manual handling and inefficient mixing and dispensing processes.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing unit comprising a mixing unit and a dispensing unit that allows for sterile mixing and controlled dispensing of biphasic compounds without direct contact, using a deformable cartridge for liquid transfer and a propeller stirrer within a syringe-like chamber, with optional remote actuation to minimize radiation exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If devices are used to break the phial and transfer liquid under sterile conditions, then sterility is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesterilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the phial breaking mechanism and liquid transfer function into a single integrated device. The breaking element and pouring means are merged into one component that performs both functions sequentially, reducing the number of separate devices needed while maintaining sterile conditions throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to perform multiple functions: breaking the phial seal, transferring the liquid phase, and mixing with the solid phase. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sterile breaking tools and transfer devices, simplifying the overall system while preserving sterility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If suitable stirring devices are added to mix liquid and solid phases, then mixing effectiveness improves, but construction difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing effectivenessVSAvoidconstruction difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The stirring device is nested within the syringe structure, with the stirrer positioned inside the barrel and the piston integrated into the same assembly. This nested configuration allows effective mixing of liquid and solid phases while utilizing the existing syringe geometry, reducing construction complexity compared to separate mixing apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing system is designed to be self-contained within the syringe, where the piston movement automatically drives the stirring action. The system uses its own operational components (piston and barrel) to perform mixing, eliminating the need for external or separately controlled mixing devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If manual handling is used for mixing and dispensing, then operation simplicity is maintained, but radiation exposure risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidradiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a remotely operated dispensing system that acts as an intermediary between the operator and the mixing/dispensing process. The remote actuation mechanism allows the operator to control the piston and dispensing actions from a position outside the radiation field, using the device itself as the mediator to transmit the dispensing command without direct manual handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 simplifies the mixing and dispensing process, ensures sterility, reduces operation time, and allows for accurate and controlled dosing, minimizing operator radiation exposure by enabling remote operation and efficient mixing and dispensing of biphasic compounds.

Implementation Method 1

a deformable cartridge for liquid transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

a propeller stirrer within a syringe-like chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStirring: Stirring

Data Source

PatentEP2393455B1Supply unit for a mixer of two-phase compounds
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 TECRES SPA
  • EP2393455B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2393455B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2393455B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Dispensing unit for mixers of biphasic compounds, for dispensing a quantity of mixed biphasic compound through a channel (20) of at least a mixing unit (3) by means of at least a piston (23) sliding inside at least a mixing chamber (21), characterized in that it comprises at least a drive element (41) for said piston (23) which can be remotely controlled.