Adhesive Patch Edge Compression to Protect Matrix Exposure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Adhesive matrix material in transdermal patches often comes into contact with the environment, leading to contamination of objects, improper patch adherence, exposure of drug components, and inaccurate drug administration due to separation of adhesive matrix from the patch.

Innovation Solution

A tool set and method for manufacturing adhesive patches with a backing layer that overlaps and compresses the adhesive matrix layer, minimizing exposure by creating a perimeter with minimal adhesive matrix material, and a cutting tool to form patches with a compressed edge area, ensuring the adhesive matrix is protected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the adhesive matrix layer is applied to the backing layer, then the patch can adhere to the skin, but the adhesive matrix material comes into contact with the environment causing contamination and improper adherence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatch adherenceVSAvoidadhesive matrix exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The backing layer is divided into a central area (for adhesive contact) and an edge area (for protection). The edge area of the backing layer overlaps the adhesive matrix layer at the perimeter, creating a protective barrier that segments the adhesive exposure zones while maintaining skin adhesion in the central region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The backing layer acts as a flexible protective film that extends beyond the adhesive matrix perimeter. This thin film structure provides environmental protection to the adhesive matrix edges while maintaining the overall flexibility and adhesion functionality of the patch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If the adhesive matrix layer covers the entire backing layer, then maximum adhesion is achieved, but manufacturing precision is difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion coverageVSAvoidadhesive matrix positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive matrix layer has different functional requirements in different regions: full coverage in the central area for maximum adhesion, and reduced/overlapped coverage at the edges for protective functionality. This local differentiation allows the adhesive to provide both strong bonding and environmental protection where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the backing layer completely covers the adhesive matrix layer, then protection is maximized, but the patch size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive protectionVSAvoidpatch area
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The backing layer extends beyond the adhesive matrix only at the edge area/perimeter regions, not across the entire surface. This partial extension provides protective functionality exactly where adhesive exposure occurs (at the edges) while minimizing the overall increase in patch area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3976327B1Tool set for manufacturing adhesive patches, method of manufacturing an adhesive patch and adhesive layering
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 LTS LOHMANN THERAPIE SYST AG
  • EP3976327B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3976327B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3976327B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tool set (30) for manufacturing adhesive patches (84), by processing laminate web (80). The tool set (30) comprises a cutting tool (51) having a cutting face (52) lying in a cutting plane, and an embossing tool having a pressing face (37) lying in a pressing plane, wherein the cutting plane and the pressing plane are parallel. The embossing tool (31) is configured to press an edge area (104) shape of the adhesive patch (84) to be manufactured, and the cutting tool (51) is configured to cut out the adhesive patch (84) to be manufactured by cutting in edge area (104) or outside the edge area (104). Furthermore, a method of manufacturing adhesive patches. The method essentially comprises a feeding step, a pressing step and cutting step. Lastly an adhesive layering (100) having a backing layer (83) and an adhesive matrix layer. The backing layer (83) having a larger size than the adhesive matrix layer.