Silicone Spray Tip for Bioadhesive Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicator assemblies for mixing and applying bioadhesives or synthetic materials face issues with premature hardening when components are mixed too early, necessitating separate storage until application, which can lead to incomplete mixing and application failures.
Innovation Solution
An applicator assembly with a silicone-based spray tip assembly that includes a manifold, elongated shaft, and a tip assembly with chambers and slots to ensure thorough mixing and efficient ejection of the mixture as a spray, featuring a flexible silicone composition to prevent clogging and ensure continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If components are mixed too soon before application, then mixing is achieved, but premature hardening occurs making application impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator assembly is divided into separate component delivery paths that converge only at the application point. Multiple components are transported through distinct channels within the catheter, preventing premature mixing while ensuring they arrive simultaneously at the target site for proper mixing and application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mixing zone within the applicator tip where components are brought together just before ejection. This controlled mixing zone acts as a mediator that allows thorough mixing to occur at the optimal moment, ensuring both component stability during transport and proper mixing at application.
2Ease of operation
If components are maintained separately until application, then premature hardening is prevented, but thorough mixing may not be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator tip incorporates curved or spiral flow paths that components must traverse before ejection. These curved pathways create centrifugal forces and enhance turbulent mixing, ensuring thorough blending of components just before they exit the applicator, thereby achieving both complete mixing and timely application.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates features that induce rotational or oscillatory motion of the component streams within the applicator tip. This mechanical movement enhances mixing by creating shear forces and turbulent flow patterns, ensuring complete blending without requiring premature mixing that would cause hardening.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid spray head is used, then structural stability is maintained, but clogging occurs and continuous operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The spray head is constructed from flexible silicone material that can dynamically respond to pressure changes and material flow characteristics. This flexibility allows the structure to self-adjust and prevent material accumulation that would cause clogging, while maintaining sufficient structural integrity for stable operation and continuous delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator assembly incorporates dynamic elements including flexible shafts and compliant connections that allow real-time adjustment to flow conditions. This dynamic design enables the system to adapt to varying material viscosities and flow rates, preventing stalling and clogging while maintaining structural stability during operation.
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 assembly ensures thorough mixing and efficient application of bioadhesives or synthetic materials by maintaining component separation until application, preventing premature hardening and ensuring consistent, clog-free operation, thereby reducing procedure length and expenses.
Implementation Method 1
The at least first slot may be configured to cause the swirling of the at least first and second components within the final chamber
Implementation Method 2
The outlet may be configured to eject the mixture from the tip assembly as a spray
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 3A
AI summary
An applicator assembly for mixing at least a first and second component is provided. The applicator assembly includes a manifold configured for operable engagement with at least a first and second source of component, the manifold including at least a first and second component channel therethrough, an elongated shaft extending distally from the manifold, the elongated shaft including at least a first and second component lumen extending the length thereof, the at least first and second component channels in fluid communication with the at least first and second component channels, a tip assembly defining a first chamber, an intermediate chamber and a final chamber, wherein the first chamber is configured to receive a distal end of the elongated shaft, the second chamber is configured to receive an insert, and the final chamber is configured to receive the at least partially mixed at least first and second components prior to the mixture being ejected from an outlet defined in the distal end of the tip assembly.