Spray Head Mixing Element for Tissue Sealant Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inline mixing systems for forming tissue sealants, such as fibrin from fibrinogen and thrombin, face challenges in achieving thorough mixing due to viscosity differences, leading to incomplete mixing and potential clogging of dispensers, especially when flow rates vary or there are interruptions in dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A spray head design with a mixing element featuring a three-dimensional lattice and separate channels that maintain component separation until they reach the mixing chamber, where thorough mixing occurs, and a swirl nozzle for efficient dispensing, preventing clogging by ensuring rapid and complete mixing without stagnant zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If components are mixed in a dispenser and maintained for extended periods, then mixing is achieved, but clogging and fouling of the dispenser tip occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber is divided into multiple separate channels that maintain component separation until the mixing zone, preventing premature mixing and clogging in the dispenser body while ensuring thorough mixing at the point of application
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing element is extracted as a separate, removable component from the dispenser body, allowing it to be easily removed and replaced when clogged, thereby isolating the harmful clogging effect from the main dispenser system
2Reliability
If components with different viscosities are mixed, then sealant formation occurs, but complete and thorough mixing is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing element employs a three-dimensional lattice structure with tortuous pathways that force components to intertwine and mix thoroughly in multiple directions, overcoming the challenge of mixing components with different viscosities
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing element acts as an intermediary device between the separate component channels and the dispensing tip, providing a controlled environment where thorough mixing occurs before the components are combined for dispensing
3Reliability
If mixing quality is improved, then sealant efficacy increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing element utilizes a porous lattice structure that provides extensive mixing surface area and tortuous pathways within a compact form, achieving thorough mixing without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing element is designed as a nested structure where the lattice pattern creates multiple levels of mixing channels within a single component, maximizing mixing efficiency while minimizing the number of separate parts
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
Ensures reliable and thorough mixing of components regardless of flow rates, reduces clogging by maintaining component separation until mixing, and allows for easy replacement of the spray head to resume dispensing, ensuring consistent tissue sealant application.
Implementation Method 1
a mixing element configured to thoroughly mix the component streams into the combined fluid stream
Implementation Method 2
the components to be mixed are kept separated before they arrive at a mixing element in the spray head
Implementation Method 3
a swirl nozzle for efficient dispensing, preventing clogging by ensuring rapid and complete mixing without stagnant zones
Data Source
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Figure 6~9
AI summary
A device for mixing at least two separate component streams which, when mixed, form a combined fluid stream. The device comprises a conduit with at least two separate passageways leading to exit openings at an end face of the conduit. Each passageway communicates with a separate component stream and is arranged to direct the separate component stream in a downstream direction. The exit openings each have a predetermined cross-sectional flow area. A separate channel is located at a downstream end of each passageway exit opening. The channels are arranged to redirect the flow from each passageway to an axial direction. A single mixing chamber communicates with all of the channels, the mixing chamber arranged to receive each component stream at an upstream end thereof and to permit a mixing of the component streams. An outlet is arranged downstream of the mixing chamber through which the combined fluid stream is dispensed.