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 for application when heated, and includes a hydrocolloid layer for adhesion and a physical barrier.
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 and cannot promote expansion of skin features for faster healing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the hydrocolloid patch from ambient to heated state (e.g., 40-50°C or higher) to achieve therapeutic effects. The heating capability is integrated into the patch design, allowing it to maintain elevated temperature during application and wear, thereby promoting pore expansion, increased blood flow, and accelerated healing without requiring separate heating devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structure combining hydrocolloid base material with thermochromic indicators and potentially phase-change materials or heating elements. This composite approach enables the patch to simultaneously provide moisture absorption, temperature indication, and therapeutic heating functions, resolving the contradiction between temperature enhancement and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a thermochromic material is added to indicate predetermined temperature, then temperature monitoring is improved, but the patch and packaging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermochromic material that undergoes color change at specific temperature thresholds (e.g., changing from one color to another at 40°C, 50°C, or 60°C). This provides intuitive visual feedback to users about the patch temperature state without requiring electronic sensors or complex monitoring systems. The color change mechanism is integrated directly into the patch or its packaging, offering simple yet effective temperature indication.
3Reliability
If the patch is heated before application, then therapeutic healing benefits are enhanced, but the risk of burns and skin damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates thermochromic material that provides real-time visual feedback about the patch temperature. The color changes indicate when the patch has reached safe application temperature and when it may be too hot for skin contact. This feedback mechanism allows users to monitor temperature continuously, ensuring safe application and reducing burn risk while maintaining therapeutic heating benefits throughout the wear period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thermochromic indicators to provide advance warning before dangerous temperature levels are reached. The color change occurs at predetermined safe thresholds, alerting users to adjust or remove the patch before skin damage can occur. This preventive approach cushions against potential harm by providing early temperature warning signals.
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 enhances healing by promoting expansion of skin features like hair follicles and pores, creating a moist environment for faster healing and providing a physical barrier.
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
The heated hydrocolloid patch enhances healing by promoting expansion of skin features like hair follicles and pores
Implementation Method 3
creating a moist environment for faster healing
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.