Tissue Marking Applicator Valve for Spillage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue marking systems face issues with ink spillage, limited color options, and waste due to excess unused inks, as they require multiple reservoirs and tools, making them cumbersome and inefficient for surgeons to mark tissue samples during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained tissue marking system with a container and applicator that includes a reservoir with a valve, allowing sterile dye to flow to the applicator tip upon priming, reducing spillage and enabling precise control, and allowing only desired colors to be used, minimizing waste by keeping unused systems for later use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reservoirs and applicator tools are used to provide different ink colors, then color variety is improved, but device complexity and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of working with different ink colors through a single reservoir system. The valve mechanism can selectively control flow to different applicator tips, allowing one applicator to serve multiple color options without requiring separate tools for each color.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple applicator tips are integrated within a single applicator body, with each tip accessible through the same handle and reservoir system. This nested configuration allows different color options to be contained within one compact device rather than requiring multiple separate tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reservoirs are used to provide different ink colors, then color variety is improved, but ink spillage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful aspect of uncontrolled ink flow is extracted and isolated through the valve mechanism. The valve separates the ink reservoir from the applicator tip, providing controlled access to the ink only when needed, thereby preventing spillage while maintaining color variety options.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve acts as an intermediary between the ink reservoir and the applicator tip, mediating the flow of ink. This intermediary component provides precise control over ink transfer, preventing direct contact and potential spillage while still enabling color application when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all ink colors are provided in the kit, then color variety is improved, but waste increases due to unused colors
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, allowing the surgeon to select and activate only the specific color options needed for each procedure. The valve mechanism enables selective engagement of different color reservoirs or tips, so that unused colors remain sealed and available for future use rather than being discarded.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding unused ink colors after a single use, the system allows for recovery and reuse. The sealed reservoir design with selective valve activation means that unopened or unused color options can be preserved and used in subsequent procedures, reducing waste while maintaining full color variety availability.
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 system provides a more efficient, waste-reducing, and precise method for marking tissue samples by allowing surgeons to use only needed colors and minimizing ink spillage, enhancing surgical efficiency and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
The valve is configured to open and permit sterile tissue marking dye to flow from the reservoir to the tip of the applicator in response to the tip being pressed against a priming surface
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a tissue marking system is provided that includes a container and an applicator. The applicator is in the container and is removable therefrom. The applicator includes a tip, a reservoir containing sterile tissue marking dye, and a valve. The valve is configured to open and permit sterile tissue marking dye to flow from the reservoir to the tip of the applicator in response to the tip being pressed against a priming surface. In one embodiment, the system includes a substrate that is removable from the container and includes the priming surface. In another embodiment, the container includes a tray having a compartment that receives the applicator. The tray includes a well that includes the priming surface.