Tissue Retractor for Tick Bite Pathogen Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing ticks and treating tick bites are inefficient, as they often fail to prevent pathogen transmission into the bloodstream, particularly due to the difficulty in accessing and killing pathogens embedded deep in the skin, where they bond with SALP 15 protein, making infections like Lyme disease challenging to prevent.
Innovation Solution
The interceptor device, comprising a flushing needleless syringe with a conical tip and a splash shield, uses spreader arms to retract and hold open the skin around a tick bite, allowing for thorough application of an antipathogen solution to flush and treat the wound, thereby reducing pathogens before they enter the bloodstream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional washing methods (soap and water or alcohol) are used to treat tick bites, then the treatment process is simple and easy to perform, but the pathogens deep in the wound cannot be effectively killed due to the tick's barbed hypostome and SALP 15 protein bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the treatment process into distinct functional components: spreader arms for tissue retraction, a nozzle for targeted solution delivery, and a splash shield for containment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, enabling thorough pathogen elimination while maintaining ease of use through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the interceptor apparatus) that mediates between the simple washing action and the need for deep pathogen elimination. The device delivers antipathogen solution directly to the wound site while retracting surrounding tissue, serving as an intermediary that bridges the gap between simple application and effective treatment.
2Loss of time
If the tick is removed quickly to prevent pathogen transmission, then the time for pathogen entry into bloodstream is reduced, but the difficulty of removing the tick without causing it to expel pathogens increases due to the barbed hypostome
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by applying antipathogen solution to the wound site immediately after tick removal, before pathogens can fully establish themselves. The spreader arms retract tissue beforehand to expose the wound, allowing immediate and effective treatment to begin as soon as the tick is removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by having the antipathogen solution ready and immediately applied to counteract the pathogen expulsion that occurs during tick removal. The device is positioned and ready to deliver the counteracting agent (antipathogen solution) the moment the tick is removed, preventing the harmful effect before it can take hold.
3Reliability
If the wound is left open for thorough treatment to kill pathogens, then pathogen elimination is improved, but the wound is more exposed to contamination and the treatment process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: the spreader arms that retract tissue, the nozzle that delivers solution, and the splash shield that contains the treatment area all form one unified apparatus. This merging allows the wound to remain open for thorough treatment while preventing contamination through the integrated splash shield, without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The interceptor apparatus serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a tissue retractor, a solution delivery system, and a splash guard. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain the wound open for effective pathogen elimination while also protecting against contamination and simplifying the overall treatment process by combining what would otherwise require separate tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A devise for retracting or opening a tissue wound employs two retractor arms that do not enter or penetrate into the wound. The retractor arms engage the tissue on either side of the wound and apply outward pressure on the tissue surface to open the wound.