Tearable Antiseptic Applicator Reservoir for One-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antiseptic applicators require complex actuation mechanisms, often necessitating two hands and special handling, and can impede the free flow of solution due to design complexities like puncture spikes and frangible ampoules, leading to issues with inadvertent discharge and solution flow obstruction.
Innovation Solution
A compact, ergonomically designed antiseptic applicator featuring a tearable solution reservoir with a locking mechanism and tear lines, allowing one-handed actuation by pulling a tearing member to release the solution into an application member, ensuring controlled flow without premature discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a puncture spike mechanism is used to release the solution, then the solution can be contained securely in a sealed container, but the device complexity increases and requires two hands to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex puncture spike mechanism from the device. Instead of using a spike to pierce the container, the solution container itself is made tearable with pre-formed tear lines, allowing the user to simply pull and tear the container open. This extracts the problematic mechanical actuation mechanism while maintaining secure containment through the sealed container design.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a active mechanism (puncture spike) to break the container, the invention uses a passive approach where the container is designed to be torn open by simple pulling motion. The complexity is inverted from an active breaking mechanism to a passive tearable structure that responds to simple user input.
2Reliability
If a frangible ampoule is used to contain the solution, then the solution can be sealed and protected, but the device requires special handling to avoid inadvertent breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The container is pre-designed with tear lines and a tearing member attached during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the container to be easily opened by simply pulling the tearing member, eliminating the need for special handling instructions or complex activation procedures. The preliminary action of creating the tear line structure enables simple one-handed operation.
3Productivity
If pressure is applied to break the ampoule or squeeze the solution, then the solution can be released from the container, but the broken ampoule or puncture spike impedes the free flow of solution
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the puncture spike and broken ampoule remnants that impede solution flow. By using a tearable container design where the container is pulled apart along tear lines, there is no sharp spike or fragmented pieces left in the solution path. The tearing mechanism cleanly separates the container without leaving obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is segmented with pre-formed tear lines that guide the separation process. This segmentation allows the container to be cleanly divided into sections, with the tearing member attached to one section, enabling controlled opening without creating chaotic fragmentation that would impede solution flow.
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent premature discharge, then the solution can be securely contained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the container structure itself. The container includes a flange with a locking feature that interfaces with the applicator body, and the tearing member is attached to the container. When the user pulls the tearing member, it simultaneously overcomes the locking mechanism and opens the container. This merging eliminates separate locking mechanisms while maintaining secure containment.
Data Source
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AI summary
An applicator assembly includes a container having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior portion defining a chamber, an application member attached to the distal end of the container, and a tearable solution reservoir disposed within the chamber, the tearable solution reservoir comprising a tearing member, wherein actuating the tearing member to tear the tearable solution reservoir brings the container, the tearable solution reservoir, and the application member into fluid communication with each other.