Epicutaneous Test Patch Array with Segmented Lattice Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Epicutaneous test plasters face limitations in loading haptens, handling during and after loading, and the number of test chambers they can accommodate, making it difficult to conduct comprehensive skin sensitivity tests effectively.

Innovation Solution

A design featuring a support lattice with a moisture barrier layer and a flexible carrier lattice with an adhesive layer, where the flexible carrier lattice has more holes than the support lattice, forming test chambers and allowing for improved flexibility and adhesion, along with a removable cover layer for easy loading and identification of haptens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the number of test chambers is increased to accommodate more than 20 haptens, then the productivity and comprehensiveness of skin sensitivity testing is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of maintaining chamber separation and adhesion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of test chambersVSAvoidchamber separation and adhesion maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into multiple discrete test chambers arranged in an array on the patch, with each chamber separated by partitions. This segmentation allows for testing multiple haptens (greater than 20) simultaneously while maintaining clear separation between chambers to prevent cross-contamination, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An adhesive layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the patch substrate and the test chambers. This adhesive layer facilitates uniform distribution and secure attachment of multiple chambers across the patch surface, simplifying the maintenance of adhesion for numerous chambers and enabling high-density chamber arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the patch is made more flexible to maintain contact with skin during movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision and structural integrity of chambers may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility during patient movementVSAvoidchamber structure integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patch employs a flexible substrate and thin-film chamber structures that can bend and conform to skin contours during patient movement. These flexible components are designed to maintain their structural integrity and chamber definition while allowing the overall patch to be compliant, thus improving ease of operation without sacrificing manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patch utilizes composite materials combining flexible polymers for the substrate with more rigid but thin-walled chamber structures. This composite construction allows the patch to be flexible enough for patient comfort and movement while maintaining sufficient structural precision for accurate hapten containment and delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If the patch size is increased to accommodate more chambers, then the productivity is improved, but the adhesion to skin and flexibility may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of haptens tested concurrentlyVSAvoidadhesion to skin

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The large patch is segmented into multiple smaller chamber units distributed across the patch surface. Each chamber is individually sized to maintain optimal adhesion properties, while the collective arrangement allows testing of more than 20 haptens. The segmentation prevents the entire patch from becoming too large to adhere reliably to skin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive properties are optimized locally at each chamber-skin interface rather than uniformly across the entire patch. Each chamber is positioned and adhered to maintain optimal contact pressure and adhesion strength, allowing the overall patch to be large enough for high productivity while maintaining reliable adhesion at local points of contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 efficient loading and handling of haptens, increased flexibility, and the ability to include more test chambers on a single plaster, enhancing the accuracy and convenience of skin sensitivity testing.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible carrier lattice containing a second multiplicity of holes, said flexible carrier lattice including an adhesive layer for removable adhesion of the epicutaneous plaster to a skin portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a support lattice of absorbent paper adhered with a moisture barrier layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11020044B2Multiple well epicutaneous test patch array

Publication Date: 2021.06.01 IMMUNODERM INC

AI summary

Described is a novel epicutaneous test plaster useful for the application of test substances for direct and continuous contact with the skin of a human patient. The plaster comprises a support lattice with a flexible carrier lattice adhered thereto, the combination forming a series of test chambers capable of receiving test substances for application to the skin.