Rotating Retention Sleeve for Uniform Coating of Medical Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional coating methods for rotatable medical devices, such as dip coating, result in flawed coatings due to wobble during the coating process, leading to non-uniform deposition of coating materials and potential damage to the device.

Innovation Solution

A coating system utilizing a rotating retention sleeve that matches the rotation speed of the medical device, combined with an inner collar to minimize wobble, ensuring uniform coating application by reducing friction and preventing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional dip coating methods are used, then the coating process is simple, but the coating uniformity deteriorates due to device wobble

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating process simplicityVSAvoidcoating uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A retention sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the coating applicator and the medical device. The retention sleeve rotates at the same speed as the medical device, creating a stable reference frame that eliminates wobble and enables uniform coating application while maintaining the simplicity of the overall process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The coating system is segmented into distinct functional components: the medical device, the retention sleeve, and the coating applicator. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the retention sleeve specifically tasked with eliminating wobble to enable precise coating

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the device rotates during coating, then coating application is enabled, but wobble occurs causing non-uniform deposition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating application capabilityVSAvoidcoating deposition uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The retention sleeve acts as a mediator that rotates synchronously with the medical device, providing a stable platform that eliminates wobble while allowing continuous rotation for efficient coating application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic synchronization where the retention sleeve rotates at the same speed as the medical device. This dynamic adjustment maintains stability during rotation, enabling both high productivity through continuous rotation and precise uniform coating deposition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If rotation speed is increased for efficiency, then coating productivity improves, but device damage risk increases due to friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating efficiencyVSAvoiddevice damage from friction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retention sleeve serves as a protective intermediary that rotates with the device, reducing direct friction between the applicator and device. This allows higher rotation speeds for improved productivity while minimizing friction-induced device damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention sleeve provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and distributing friction forces before they can damage the medical device. This protective layer enables higher rotation speeds without increasing device damage risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12496612B2Coating application system and methods for coating rotatable medical devices

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 SURMODICS INC

AI summary

Embodiments herein relate to a system for coating rotatable medical devices and related methods. In an embodiment, a coating system for coating rotatable medical devices is included. The coating system can include a rotation mechanism, wherein the rotation mechanism is configured to mount and rotate a rotatable medical device. The coating system can also include a fluid applicator unit. The fluid applicator unit can include a rotating retention sleeve, the rotating retention sleeve defining a channel, wherein the rotatable medical device fits within the channel. The fluid applicator unit can also include a retention sleeve drive mechanism, wherein the retention sleeve drive mechanism is configured to rotate the rotating retention sleeve. The coating system can also include an inner collar, wherein the inner collar fits within the channel of the rotating retention sleeve. Other embodiments are also included herein.