Rotating Handle Suppository Applicator for Independent Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals with spinal injuries at or above the T-12 vertebrae often lose the ability to feel when their rectum is full and have impaired mobility, making it difficult to use existing suppository applicators independently.

Innovation Solution

A suppository applicator configured with a handle connected to a tool head by an elongate shaft, featuring a disposable applicator removably attached to the tool head, which is designed to expel a suppository product upon rotation of the handle, facilitating easy and hygienic insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual plunger applicator is used for suppository insertion, then the insertion can be controlled hygienically, but individuals with spinal injuries at or above T-12 vertebrae cannot operate it independently due to impaired mobility and loss of rectal fullness sensation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent operation capabilityVSAvoidApplicator mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is designed to be operated by the user themselves through external manipulation (rotating the handle or pressing the button) without requiring assistance from others, enabling independent suppository insertion despite spinal injuries that impair mobility and sensation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual plunger mechanism is replaced with a rotating handle or button-actuated driving mechanism that converts rotational or pressing motion into linear piston movement, providing an easier interface for users with limited hand dexterity or grip strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a disposable applicator is used, then hygiene is improved, but the device requires a more complex driving mechanism to expel the suppository

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHygieneVSAvoidDriving mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is divided into disposable and reusable parts: the applicator tip and piston are disposable while the handle and driving mechanism are reusable, maintaining hygiene by discarding contaminated parts while retaining the expensive mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator tip and piston are designed as disposable components that are discarded after single use to ensure hygiene, while the more expensive handle and driving mechanism are retained for repeated use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS12324891B2Suppository applicator

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 CAMERON NEVILLE

AI summary

Disclosed are implementations of a suppository applicator configured for use in depositing a suppository product in a body cavity, such as the rectum. An example suppository applicator comprises a handle connected to a tool head by an elongate shaft, and a disposable applicator removably attached to the tool head. The disposable applicator is configured to contain a suppository product therein. The suppository applicator is configured such that rotation of the handle causes the suppository product to be expelled from the disposable applicator. Also disclosed are implementations of an enema dispenser. An example apparatus comprises a handle connected to a tool head by an elongate shaft, and a driving mechanism. The tool head includes an enema dispenser comprising a bottle holder, a piston, and a bottle configured to contain an enema liquid. The driving mechanism is configured to cause the piston to compress the bottle of the enema dispenser when actuated, thereby dispensing a volume of liquid contained in the bottle.