Flexible Transdermal Drug Delivery System with Integrated Power Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional transdermal drug delivery systems, such as iontophoresis, are inadequate for areas like the face due to their tethered nature, which impedes user comfort and effectiveness, and existing methods like topical creams are less effective, prompting the need for flexible, conformal, and standalone drug delivery systems.

Innovation Solution

The development of flexible transdermal drug delivery systems with integrated power supplies and electrodes that can conform to body contours, featuring conductance and interface layers for stable current distribution, allowing for effective delivery of therapeutic agents without the need for external equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional iontophoresis systems are used, then therapeutic agents can be delivered transdermally, but the system requires external equipment and tethered electrodes that impede user comfort and effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic agent delivery effectivenessVSAvoiduser comfort and effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power supply, control circuitry, and electrode functions into a single integrated transdermal delivery device. This eliminates the need for external equipment and tethered connections, allowing the device to be worn freely on the body while maintaining reliable therapeutic agent delivery through the skin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device serves multiple functions: it generates electrical current for iontophoresis, stores power internally, controls delivery parameters, and interfaces directly with the skin through flexible electrodes. This multi-functionality in a single portable unit resolves the contradiction between effective delivery and user comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If topical creams are used, then user comfort is improved, but therapeutic effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidtherapeutic agent delivery effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an electrical current as an intermediary mechanism to enhance topical cream delivery. The iontophoresis current actively drives therapeutic agents through the skin barrier, combining the comfort of topical application with the effectiveness of active transdermal delivery, thereby resolving the contradiction between comfort and effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If flexible conformal devices are developed for areas like the face, then user comfort and applicability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconformality to body contoursVSAvoidintegrated power supply and electrode system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible printed circuit boards and thin-film electrode structures that can conform to curved body surfaces like the face. These flexible components maintain electrical functionality while adapting to complex geometries, achieving adaptability without excessive complexity through advanced flexible electronics technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

These systems enable efficient and comfortable delivery of therapeutic agents directly to the skin, improving upon traditional methods by providing a flexible, standalone, and effective solution for areas with complex shapes like the face.

Implementation Method 1

The first conductance layer is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the power supply and the second conductance layer is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the power supply

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

flexible electrodes with integrated conductance layers and interface layers for improved stability and current distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical contact: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

traditional iontophoresis systems typically use equipment, such as external stimulators or other systems, which must be connected to electrodes or other delivery components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIontophoresis: Iontophoresis

Data Source

PatentUS9610440B2Systems, devices, and methods for transdermal delivery

Publication Date: 2017.04.04 RARE BEAUTY BRANDS INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for transdermal delivery of a therapeutic agent (for example, a molecule or molecules) to a therapy site. The systems, devices, and methods described herein are flexible and able to conform to the contours of a therapy site, such as the shape of a user's face. In certain approaches, the devices and systems described herein include an integrated power supply for standalone application to the therapy site. The devices, systems, and methods include flexible electrodes with integrated conductance layers and interface layers for improved stability and current distribution. In practice, the device includes at least two electrodes which are coupled to the therapy site. When the electrodes are placed at the therapy site, they are electrically coupled, thereby drawing a current from the power supply to deliver the therapeutic agent to the therapy site.