Valve-Controlled Tissue Marking Applicator for Spillage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue marking systems face issues with ink spillage and waste due to large reservoir openings and limited color options, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary discarding of unused ink colors.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained tissue marking system with a container and applicator featuring a valve that opens upon priming, allowing sterile dye to flow to the tip, reducing spillage and enabling precise application, and providing multiple colored systems for selective use, minimizing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If large openings are provided in reservoir walls to allow easy access for applicator tools, then ease of operation is improved, but ink spillage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A valve acts as an intermediary component between the reservoir and the external environment. The valve controls ink flow by opening only when the applicator tip is pressed against the priming surface, preventing uncontrolled spillage while still allowing ink transfer when needed. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing controlled access rather than constant openness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow state parameter of the ink from closed (valve shut) to open (valve open) based on the priming action. This parameter change allows the system to transition between preventing spillage and enabling ink transfer, resolving the contradiction between containment and accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ink color reservoirs are provided to give surgeons color choices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator tip serves multiple functions: it acts as both the priming mechanism (by pressing against the priming surface to open the valve) and the application tool (for transferring ink to tissue). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate tools for each color, simplifying the overall system while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed as a disposable kit where the entire applicator and reservoir assembly is discarded after use. This approach allows providing multiple color options without the complexity of reusable components that need cleaning and sterilization between uses, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ink color reservoirs are provided to allow surgeons to select from various colors, then adaptability is improved, but loss of substance increases due to discarding unused colors
Solution Approach 1:
The ink transfer mechanism extracts only the necessary amount of ink from the reservoir to the applicator tip through the controlled valve opening during priming. This extraction principle ensures that ink is transferred on-demand rather than pre-loaded in excess, reducing waste when multiple colors are available but not all are used.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If a valve mechanism is added to control ink flow from the reservoir, then ink spillage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is self-actuating through the priming action itself. When the applicator tip is pressed against the priming surface, this mechanical action automatically opens the valve without requiring separate controls or complex actuation systems. The system serves itself by using the necessary priming force to simultaneously open the valve, reducing overall complexity while maintaining spillage control.
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 enhances usability and reduces waste by allowing precise control over dye application and allowing surgeons to use only needed colors, minimizing ink spillage and optimizing resource utilization.
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
Implementation Method 2
an ink absorbent material such as foam or felt is provided in each of the reservoirs to absorb and hold the ink
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.