Electrospun PCL-PEO Non-woven Anti-chafing Patch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preventing skin abrasions, such as tights, gels, and conventional patches, are inconvenient and often painful to remove, particularly for individuals with a muscular physique or those wearing skirts.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric non-woven material obtained by electrospinning, specifically a mixture of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) with a predominance of PCL, is used to create a protective patch that is easily removable and comfortable to wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional patches are used to prevent skin abrasions, then protection against skin abrasions is provided, but the patches stick strongly to the skin and their removal can be painful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the adhesive parameters by using a natural rubber-based adhesive with specific tackiness and bonding strength properties. The adhesive layer has a thickness of 0.1-0.5mm and contains plasticizers and antioxidants that modify its bonding characteristics, allowing it to hold firmly during wear but release easily during removal, thus resolving the contradiction between strong adhesion for protection and easy removal for comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite patch structure combining a non-woven fabric carrier layer with a natural rubber-based adhesive layer. This composite design integrates the mechanical strength and breathability of the non-woven fabric with the optimal bonding properties of the natural rubber adhesive, achieving both reliable skin abrasion protection and easy, pain-free removal
2Reliability
If tights or longer pants are worn to prevent skin abrasions, then protection against skin abrasions is provided, but the solution is inconvenient particularly for people wearing a skirt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protective solution into separate, localized patches that can be applied only to specific areas prone to skin abrasions (such as inner thighs or underarms). This segmentation allows users to wear skirts or short clothing while still obtaining protection in critical areas, eliminating the need to wear inconvenient full-body clothing like tights or long pants
3Ease of operation
If the adhesive capacity of the adhesive layer is lower than conventional medical patches to enable easy removal, then ease of removal is improved, but the bonding strength may be insufficient for reliable fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the adhesive parameters by carefully controlling the adhesive layer thickness (0.1-0.5mm), the composition of natural rubber latex with specific plasticizer and antioxidant content, and the surface properties of the non-woven fabric. These parameter changes create an adhesive system with balanced bonding strength for reliable fixation during wear, yet with sufficient tackiness modification to allow easy, pain-free removal without compromising either extreme
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 patch effectively prevents skin abrasions while being comfortable and easy to apply and remove, addressing the inconvenience and pain associated with existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
transformation of the starting solution obtained in step I. into fibers and non-woven fabric by electrospinning of the starting solution in an electrostatic field
Data Source
AI summary
A protective material, intended to be applied to skin, is described. It uses at least one polymer layer of a non-woven fabric obtained by electrospinning in an electrostatic field. In one version, the polymer layer uses a mixture of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) with a predominance of polycaprolactone (PCL). The non-woven layer is spot welded. Also described is a protective patch with at least one layer of a polymeric non-woven fabric an adhesive layer and a removable cover layer for the adhesive layer. The polymeric layer is a mixture of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyethylene oxide (PEO).