Iontophoresis Electrode Array for Skin pH Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Iontophoresis devices using a pair of electrodes face issues such as skin pH alteration and electrode oxidation, limiting the duration and intensity of treatment, particularly in therapeutic applications like anti-inflammatory medication delivery.
Innovation Solution
A skin treatment device employing an array of electrodes that alternates polarity between electrode pairs, allowing each electrode to function as both an anode and cathode, thereby minimizing skin pH changes and reducing electrode oxidation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a pair of electrodes is used for iontophoresis, then the device structure is simple, but the skin pH alters significantly leading to skin irritation and limited treatment duration
Solution Approach 1:
The single electrode pair is segmented into multiple electrodes (at least three electrodes: first, second, and third electrodes). The treatment area is divided into multiple zones, each served by different electrode combinations. This segmentation allows rotation between electrodes so that when one electrode is used as an anode, another serves as cathode, distributing the pH alteration effects across multiple electrodes and reducing cumulative skin irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching between different electrode pairs and their polarities. The device alternates between using (first, second) electrode pair, then (second, third) electrode pair, and can cycle through combinations. This periodic action allows skin pH to recover between exposures and distributes the electrochemical stress over time, preventing sustained pH extremes that cause irritation.
2Productivity
If a pair of electrodes is used for iontophoresis, then the current path is direct, but electrode oxidation increases leading to reduced usability
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into multiple individual electrodes that can be used in different combinations. Instead of continuously using the same two electrodes, the system rotates through multiple electrodes, reducing the cumulative oxidation exposure for each individual electrode and extending overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic reversal of electrode polarity and rotation between different electrode pairs. Each electrode experiences alternating anodic and cathodic periods, and the system cycles through different electrode combinations. This periodic action prevents continuous oxidation of any single electrode, significantly improving electrode durability and usability.
3Productivity
If higher current intensity is applied for faster drug delivery, then the treatment efficiency increases, but skin irritation increases due to pH changes
Solution Approach 1:
The total current required for effective drug delivery is distributed across multiple electrode pairs. By segmenting the current path through multiple electrodes used in sequence or parallel, the patent maintains high overall productivity while reducing the current burden and associated pH changes at any single skin location, thereby reducing irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic switching between multiple electrode pairs to deliver the required total current. Instead of concentrating high current through a single electrode pair causing severe local pH changes, the current is distributed over time across multiple pairs, maintaining treatment efficiency while reducing peak pH alterations and skin irritation at any given location.
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
This approach extends the usability of the device by maintaining stable skin pH and reducing electrode deterioration, enabling longer and more effective delivery of active ingredients into the skin.
Implementation Method 1
Iontophoresis is a physical process in which ions flow diffusively in a medium driven by an applied electric field. Iontophoresis can be used in therapeutic applications by applying an electric current on the skin using a pair of electrodes.
Implementation Method 2
the device comprises an array of n electrodes with at least a first and a second, wherein the device is adapted to successively establish an electric field between pairs of electrodes
Implementation Method 3
During use a small electric current will be established between the anode and the cathode to stimulate the ions to pass through intact skin. the pH of the skin will be altered. Depending on the duration of the iontophoresis and the level of the electric field applied to the human skin, the pH of the skin will respectively increase/decrease at the anode/cathode
Implementation Method 4
A related problem of iontophoresis using a pair of electrodes is the fact that the electrodes are exposed to air which can lead to increased oxidation of the electrodes. This can lead to the electrode pair no longer being usable because of the high level of oxidation of at least one of the two electrodes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a skin treatment device, adapted for delivery of an active ingredient into the human skin by means of iontophoresis, the device having electrodes to establish an electric field on the human skin, wherein the device comprises an array of n electrodes with at least a first and a second electrode.