Flexible-Wing Electronic Device Design for Long-Term Skin Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices struggle to adhere to the human body for extended periods beyond 24 hours due to factors such as device shape, size, weight, flexibility, and rigidity, as well as environmental conditions and interactions with clothing and body movements.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a housing with flexible wings and electrodes, a selective adhesive application that avoids covering electrodes and rigid components, and flaps that extend below the housing to enhance flexibility and adhesion, using materials like polyacrylate and polysiloxane adhesives and a diffusion barrier to maintain adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive is applied to the entire bottom surface of the device, then adhesion strength is improved, but electrode functionality deteriorates due to adhesive coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adhesive only to specific regions of the device bottom surface - specifically the flexible wings - while deliberately excluding the electrodes and rigid housing areas. This selective adhesive application ensures that adhesive strength is maximized where needed for attachment while preserving electrode functionality and electrical contact with the skin.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the device structure is made rigid to maintain shape, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to body movements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional regions: a rigid housing containing electronics and a flexible wing portion that can conform to body movements. This segmentation allows the rigid portions to maintain structural stability while the flexible portions adapt to dynamic body conditions, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates flexible materials and movable components that allow it to dynamically adapt to body movements while maintaining its structural integrity. The flexible wings can stretch and conform to skin contours during movement, while the rigid housing remains stable for housing sensitive electronics.
3Reliability
If device weight is increased to improve durability, then durability is improved, but adhesion performance deteriorates due to increased gravitational force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the weight parameter by using lightweight materials for both the rigid housing and flexible wings. This parameter change ensures that the device remains light enough to maintain strong adhesion while still being durable enough for long-term wear. The durability is achieved through material selection and structural design rather than increased mass.
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 design allows for long-term adhesion of medical devices by accommodating body movements and environmental conditions, reducing the risk of dislodgment and enhancing flexibility and durability.
Implementation Method 1
An adhesive layer is provided for adhesion to a surface of the mammal. The adhesive layer is coated on a portion of the bottom surface of the wings.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device for long-term adhesion to a mammal includes a housing with an electronic component. The electronic device may include a first wing and a second wing, each being integrally formed with the housing. An electrode is positioned on a bottom surface of each of the wings, the electrodes electrically connected to the electronic component. An adhesive layer is provided for adhesion to a surface of the mammal. The adhesive layer may cover a portion of the bottom surfaces of the wings but generally does not cover the electrode or a bottom surface of the housing. A method of applying an electronic device to a mammal includes removing first and second adhesive covers from first and second wings of the electronic device to expose an electrode and an adhesive coated on a bottom surface of each wing.