Frangible Cutaneous Information Device with Opaque Background
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temporary tattoos are semi-translucent, difficult to read on dark skin, not durable enough, and cannot be manufactured at the point of service with variable data input, posing safety and operational challenges in industries like hospitality and healthcare.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing a single-step, frangible, skin-safe cutaneous information device using a desktop printer with a white background and skin-safe inks and adhesives, incorporating machine-readable codes and security features like RFID, which can be applied quickly and easily, even in harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional screen printing process is used to manufacture temporary tattoos, then decorative images can be applied to skin, but the tattoos become semi-translucent and difficult to read on dark skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the tattoo by incorporating a white opaque background layer that reflects light, transforming the semi-translucent conventional tattoo into an opaque visible device that maintains readability on all skin tones while preserving the screen printing manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining a white opaque background layer with an adhesive layer containing machine-readable codes and security features, resulting in a multi-layer device that achieves both opacity for readability and functionality for machine reading while being manufactured through screen printing
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional temporary tattoos are used, then decorative images can be applied to skin, but they are not durable enough and last only a few hours in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a composite adhesive system combining multiple adhesive layers with different properties - a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for immediate bonding and a second adhesive layer providing enhanced durability and water resistance, enabling the tattoo to withstand harsh environments for weeks rather than hours while maintaining compatibility with screen printing manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the adhesive parameters by using high-tack, water-resistant adhesive formulations and optimizing the adhesive layer thickness and composition, transforming the temporary tattoo from hour-long durability to week-long persistence in harsh conditions while preserving the conventional manufacturing approach
3Adaptability or versatility
If home printers are used to create temporary tattoos, then variable data input is possible, but the inks and toners are not safe for skin contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful conventional inks and toners from the printing process and replaces them with skin-safe alternative inks and adhesives formulated specifically for cutaneous application, while maintaining the variable data input capability through desktop printer integration, thus eliminating skin contact hazards while preserving customization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the printing materials by developing and using skin-safe ink formulations with appropriate viscosity, drying characteristics, and biocompatibility, enabling desktop printer production of temporary tattoos that are both customizable and safe for prolonged skin contact
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional temporary tattoos are applied, then decorative images can be placed on skin, but they require wetting with warm water and thorough drying which slows the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the water-based activation mechanism with a pressure-sensitive adhesive system that bonds directly to the skin upon contact, eliminating the need for wetting and drying steps and reducing application time from several minutes to immediate adhesion while maintaining ease of application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-applied adhesive layers that are already activated and ready to bond upon contact with the skin, eliminating the need for subsequent wetting and drying steps, thus accelerating the application process while keeping the method simple and user-friendly
Data Source
AI summary
A frangible single-use cutaneous information device is printed on a support sheet captured by an adhesive layer and adhered to the skin by the adhesive layer. A skin safe contrasting printed dye is deposited onto a release paper layer allowing the dye construct to be released from the paper and applied to the skin. A clear coat layer can also be applied before or after the dyes are deposited on the paper to protect the outer layer. A single apparatus to be applied at point of service using variable data make such a device includes a means for receiving a perforated sheet, an electrostatic image forming and transferring device, a member for fusing the image to the perforated sheet, an adhesive applicator positioned to apply adhesive to the image, and a transport and joining structure that transports the perforated protective sheet and joins it to the perforated sheet at a position overlying the adhesive.