Honeycomb Magnetization Pattern for Transdermal Permeation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Transdermal permeation of polar and hydrophilic active components is limited by the barrier property of the stratum corneum, and existing anisotropic magnetic arrays with linear magnetization patterns do not generate strong enough magnetic forces for effective delivery.

Innovation Solution

A cosmetic device with an anisotropic magnetic element featuring a honeycomb magnetization pattern, including a plurality of hexagonal zones with alternating North and South polarities, generates a stronger magnetic field to induce diamagnetism and enhance transdermal permeation, using a neodymium rubber magnet with a magnetic flux density between 50 and 1500 gauss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a linear magnetization pattern is used in the anisotropic magnetic array, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the magnetic force generated is insufficient for effective transdermal delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic forceVSAvoidmagnetization pattern complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic array is segmented into multiple discrete magnetic elements arranged in a grid pattern, with each element contributing to the overall magnetic field. This segmentation allows the creation of complex honeycomb magnetization patterns from simple individual magnetic elements, resolving the contradiction between generating strong magnetic forces and maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an asymmetric honeycomb magnetization pattern where magnetic elements have different polarities arranged in a specific non-uniform pattern. This asymmetric arrangement creates enhanced magnetic field gradients and stronger net magnetic forces compared to symmetric linear patterns, while the pattern itself provides a systematic manufacturing approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Productivity

If stronger magnetic forces are generated to improve transdermal permeation, then the delivery efficacy is enhanced, but the magnetic array requires more complex configuration and larger area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransdermal permeation efficiencyVSAvoidmagnetic array area
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear magnetization patterns to a two-dimensional honeycomb magnetization pattern. This dimensional change allows magnetic elements to be arranged more efficiently in space, creating stronger magnetic fields and better field distribution within a compact area, thereby improving transdermal permeation efficiency without proportionally increasing the array area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Force

If the magnetic flux density is increased to enhance diamagnetic repulsion, then transdermal delivery is improved, but the risk of magnetic saturation and energy loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediamagnetic repulsion forceVSAvoidmagnetic energy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The honeycomb magnetization pattern creates localized regions of high magnetic flux density at specific positions where magnetic elements are closely spaced, while other regions maintain lower flux density. This local quality variation allows strong diamagnetic repulsion forces to be generated at the skin interface without requiring uniformly high flux density across the entire array, thereby reducing overall energy consumption and avoiding magnetic saturation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The alternating polarity arrangement in the honeycomb pattern creates periodic magnetic field variations that enhance the diamagnetic repulsion effect through constructive interference of magnetic fields. This periodic configuration allows efficient use of magnetic energy, generating strong forces during active phases while reducing energy loss during field transitions, thereby improving transdermal delivery efficiency without proportional energy increase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 honeycomb magnetization pattern significantly increases the transdermal permeation of active components, as demonstrated by a 219% improvement in penetration efficacy compared to linear magnetization patterns, facilitating deeper skin penetration of cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions.

Implementation Method 1

Diamagnetism is the property of a substance to induce a magnetic field in a direction opposite to an applied external magnetic field, and therefore, to be repelled by the applied external magnetic field. It is a promising non-invasive transdermal delivery for small organic molecules that are diamagnetic in nature.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiamagnetism: Diamagnetism

Implementation Method 2

an anisotropic magnetic element located in or on the head part of the body, the anisotropic magnetic element configured to generate a magnetic field and to induce diamagnetism in the active component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3496803B1Cosmetic device for improved transdermal permeation and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 LOREAL SA
  • EP3496803B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3496803B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3496803B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing a cosmetic device configured to deliver an active component into a skin and a method for manufacturing such a cosmetic device. In an embodiment, the cosmetic device includes an anisotropic magnetic element located in or on the head part of the body and configured to generate a magnetic field which induces diamagnetism in the active component. In an embodiment, the anisotropic magnetic element has a honeycomb magnetization pattern.