Adhesive Patch Skin Irritation Detection via Optical Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to detect skin rash and/or skin sensitivity underneath an adhesive patch in a timely manner, making it difficult to implement preventative measures before skin irritation occurs.
Innovation Solution
An external device with a light source and photodetector configuration is used to emit light through an adhesive patch and detect changes in skin conditions, allowing for early detection of skin irritation while the patch is still in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If visual inspection after adhesive patch removal is used to detect skin irritation, then detection simplicity is maintained, but detection timing is too late for preventative measures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of skin irritation by measuring light absorption through the adhesive patch before significant irritation occurs. The controller continuously monitors light absorption changes that indicate early signs of skin irritation, enabling preventative action before the irritation becomes severe or requires patch removal for detection.
2Reliability
If light absorption measurement through adhesive patch is implemented, then early detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external device leverages existing multi-functional components from analyte monitoring systems. The light source and photodetector are integrated into the external device that also performs analyte monitoring functions, power transmission, and data communication. This multi-functionality approach enables skin irritation detection without requiring a completely new dedicated device structure.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light sources and photodetectors are used to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single light source emitting at a specific wavelength (or narrow wavelength range) that is optimized for detecting skin irritation through light absorption changes. Rather than employing multiple light sources across different wavelengths, the system applies partial action by focusing on the most informative wavelength range for skin irritation detection, achieving sufficient precision without excessive component complexity.
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 solution enables early detection of skin irritation, allowing for timely application of preventative measures such as topical creams, thereby reducing the severity of skin reactions.
Implementation Method 1
The light source may be configured to emit light through the adhesive patch. The photodetector may be configured to output a signal indicative of an amount of the light received by the photodetector after passing through the adhesive patch
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices for determining the condition of a skin surface covered by an adhesive patch. An external device may be configured to be attached to the skin surface via the adhesive patch. A light source of the external device may emit light through the adhesive patch. A photodetector of the device may output a signal indicative of an amount of the light received by the photodetector after passing through the adhesive patch. A controller of the device may determine, based on the signal, a condition of the skin surface covered by the adhesive patch. In some alternative embodiments, the photodetector may instead by in an implantable device, which may convey the signal to the external device. In some other alternative embodiments, the light source may instead be in an implantable device.