Topical Solution Applicator with Deformable Sheath and Breaking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applicators for photodynamic therapy (PDT) face challenges in storing and applying 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) due to its degradation in moist or air-exposed environments, and difficulties in scaling up ampoule size for larger treatment areas while maintaining structural stability and ensuring consistent mixing of solution components.
Innovation Solution
A compact applicator with a plurality of ampoules housed in a deformable sheath and a breaking mechanism, allowing for controlled and even ampoule fracture, ensuring proper mixing and application of ALA solution, featuring a snap-fitted design and indicators for solution level and mixing confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the glass ampoules are sized up to store sufficient ALA solution for larger treatment areas, then the storage volume is increased, but the structural stability of the ampoules deteriorates due to thin walls
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple glass ampoules are nested inside a single deformable container, allowing the system to store sufficient quantities of ALA solution for large treatment areas while each individual ampoule maintains its structural integrity through standardized sizing
Solution Approach 2:
The total volume of ALA solution is divided into multiple separate ampoules within the container, each with optimized wall thickness for structural stability, rather than using a single large ampoule that would be structurally compromised
2Ease of operation
If pressure is applied directly to the container surface by hand to crush ampoules, then the mixing action is initiated, but the force application is uneven resulting in inconsistent ampoule breaking
Solution Approach 1:
A deformable container made of specific material serves as an intermediary between the user's hand pressure and the glass ampoules, distributing the applied force uniformly across all ampoules to ensure consistent breaking while maintaining ease of manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The container material properties are specifically selected to transform the localized hand pressure into distributed uniform force, changing the pressure distribution parameter to achieve consistent ampoule fracture across all units
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator for dispensing a solution having two or more components includes a hollow body having a head provided at one end of the hollow body for dispersion of the solution and a breaking mechanism attached to the hollow body. The breaking mechanism includes at least one projection extendable into an interior of the hollow body. The applicator further includes a plurality of ampoules placed in the interior of the hollow body. The plurality of ampoules contains the two or more components. Upon activation of the breaking mechanism, the at least one projection applies a force to the plurality of ampoules such that the plurality of ampoules break and release the two or more components to form the solution.