Heated Hydrocolloid Patch With Thermochromic Temperature Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional skin patches are applied at ambient temperature and lack the ability to provide therapeutic benefits through heat application.
Innovation Solution
A heated hydrocolloid skin patch with a thermochromic material that indicates a predetermined temperature, allowing safe application on the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional skin patches are applied at ambient temperature, then they are simple to use and store, but they lack therapeutic heating benefits for skin healing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating thermochromic materials that change optical properties in response to temperature changes. The patch transitions from ambient temperature application to controlled temperature therapy (80-105°F), with the thermochromic indicator providing visual feedback of the temperature parameter, thus enabling therapeutic heating while maintaining ease of use through parameter-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical temperature control systems with a passive thermochromic indicator system. Instead of using heaters, thermostats, or electronic controls, the invention uses thermochromic materials that automatically indicate when the patch reaches the desired temperature range through color changes, eliminating the need for active temperature regulation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the skin patch is heated to therapeutic temperatures, then healing is promoted through heat and pore expansion, but there is risk of burns from excessive heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through thermochromic materials that change color to indicate when the patch reaches the optimal temperature range (80-105°F). This visual feedback system allows users to monitor the patch temperature in real-time, ensuring the patch is heated sufficiently for therapeutic benefit while providing early warning before burn-damaging temperatures are reached, thus balancing healing effectiveness with safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of overheating into a beneficial safety feature. The thermochromic materials, which could simply be seen as additives, actually serve as safety indicators that prevent burns by visually signaling when the optimal temperature is reached. The same temperature-sensitive property that could lead to overheating damage is instead utilized to provide protective feedback to the user.
3Reliability
If thermochromic material is added to indicate temperature, then safe application is ensured, but the patch and packaging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermochromic indicator function with existing patch and packaging components rather than adding separate indicator systems. The thermochromic materials are integrated into the patch layers or packaging materials themselves, combining the structural function of these components with the temperature indication function, thus minimizing additional complexity while ensuring safe application through visual temperature feedback.
4Reliability
If the patch is heated in waterproof packaging, then the patch maintains sterility and protects from contamination, but the packaging must be penetrated for application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by heating the patch within its waterproof packaging before use, maintaining sterility throughout the heating process. The packaging remains intact during heating, and only after the patch reaches the desired temperature (indicated by thermochromic change) does the user open the packaging for application. This preliminary heating within packaging eliminates the need to compromise sterility before heating, simplifying the application process.
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 heated hydrocolloid patch promotes healing by expanding pores and creating a moist environment, while the thermochromic material ensures safe application by indicating the appropriate temperature for use.
Implementation Method 1
A thermochromic material is on the skin patch and/or waterproof packaging encapsulating the skin patch. The thermochromic material indicates the skin patch is at a predetermined temperature.
Implementation Method 2
a hydrocolloid layer attached to the outer layer that contacts the blemish when applied thereto
Implementation Method 3
The heat may assist the healing process
Data Source
AI summary
A skin patch that is adherable to human skin over a blemish on the skin has an outer layer that forms a physical barrier over the blemish when applied thereto and a hydrocolloid layer attached to the outer layer that contacts the blemish when applied thereto. A thermochromic material is on the skin patch and/or waterproof packaging encapsulating the skin patch. The thermochromic material indicates the skin patch is at a predetermined temperature.