Electroplating-Enabled Microcell Delivery for On-Demand Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for small, simple, inexpensive, and versatile delivery systems that can release benefit agents on demand, allowing for varying amounts and multiple agents to be delivered at different times.
Innovation Solution
A benefit agent delivery system comprising a first electrode layer, a microcell layer with microcells containing a metallic layer and a medium, and a second electrode layer, where applying a voltage between the electrodes causes a portion of the metallic layer to be removed, enabling the release of the benefit agent through the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a micro pump enabled smart transdermal patch is used to deliver benefit agents on demand, then the delivery control is improved, but the device size increases and becomes visible through clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical micro pump system with an electrochemical system using metallic layers that can be removed or degraded through electrical stimulation. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical moving parts, significantly reducing device size while maintaining on-demand delivery control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the benefit agent from a complex mechanical delivery system and places it in a simple reservoir structure with a metallic barrier. The delivery mechanism is simplified to just the metallic layer removal process, eliminating unnecessary mechanical components and reducing overall device volume.
2Reliability
If a metallic layer completely spans the microcell opening to prevent benefit agent leakage, then the containment reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic layer serves dual functions: it acts as a barrier to prevent benefit agent leakage while also serving as the delivery mechanism itself. When electrical stimulation is applied, the metallic layer degrades or is removed, enabling benefit agent release. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate barrier and delivery mechanisms, reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic layer performs multiple functions: containment barrier, structural support, and controlled release mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the device, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliable containment and controlled delivery capabilities.
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
Enables on-demand release of benefit agents, allowing for variable quantities and multiple agents to be delivered at different times, with control over the delivery rate through voltage selection and duration.
Implementation Method 1
When a voltage is applied from a voltage source between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer across a microcell, at least a portion of the metallic layer is removed from the opening of the microcell. The removal of at least a portion of the metallic layer from the opening of a microcell may be caused by oxidation of the metal of the metallic layer at the second electrode layer (anode), the dissolution of the formed metal salt into the carrier
Implementation Method 2
The removal of at least a portion of the metallic layer from the opening of a microcell may be caused by oxidation of the metal of the metallic layer at the second electrode layer (anode), the dissolution of the formed metal salt into the carrier, the reduction of the metal salt, and the redeposition of the metallic layer near the first electrode layer (cathode)
Data Source
AI summary
A benefit agent delivery system whereby benefit agents can be delivered on demand. The benefit agent delivery system comprises a first electrode layer, a microcell layer, a sealing layer, and a second electrode layer. The microcell layer comprises a plurality of microcells, each microcell of the plurality of microcells containing a carrier and a benefit agent, and a metallic layer spanning an opening of each microcell of the plurality of microcells. Application of an electric field across a microcell causes the removal of at least a portion of the metallic layer from the microcell opening, and enabling the benefit agent to be delivered from the benefit agent delivery system.