Medicated Patch Liner with Folded Slack for Easy Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medicated patches are difficult for aged and disabled individuals to remove due to the requirement of dexterity and the tendency for the patch to lose stickiness and wrinkle during application, leading to frequent reapplication and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A medicated patch design featuring a liner larger than the drug-containing matrix with unattached areas or a slack portion that projects upward, allowing for easy peeling without rubbing the edge, reducing the need for specific dexterity and eliminating the need for peeling instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the liner is peeled by rubbing the edge of the medicated patch with fingers, then the liner can be removed, but the process becomes difficult and complicated for aged people with decreased dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is divided into a first liner and a second liner that are separable from each other. The first liner is peeled off first, then the second liner is peeled off, breaking down the complex single-step peeling process into simpler sequential steps that are easier for aged people to perform
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional aspect to liner removal by creating a folded structure where the first liner is folded upward along the mid-portion. This folded configuration provides a natural starting point for peeling that eliminates the need for users to locate and rub the edge of the patch, transforming the removal process from edge-based to structure-based
2Ease of operation
If the liner is torn by forcibly stretching the medicated patch from both sides, then the liner can be peeled, but the patch wrinkles and loses initial stickiness
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the liner into two separate liners (first liner and second liner), the invention allows each liner to be peeled independently with gentle actions rather than requiring forceful stretching that would wrinkle the patch and compromise adhesion
Solution Approach 2:
The first liner is pre-folded upward along the mid-portion of the drug-containing matrix during manufacturing, creating a pre-positioned peeling starting point. This preliminary configuration enables users to simply pull the folded edge without any stretching or rubbing actions that could damage the patch
3Loss of information
If clear peeling instructions are provided on the liner, then users can be guided, but aged people tend to neglect these instructions and use conventional rubbing methods
Solution Approach 1:
The folded structure of the first liner serves as a self-explanatory visual cue that intuitively indicates how to peel without requiring written instructions. The folded edge naturally presents itself as the starting point, allowing users to understand the correct peeling method through the product's own structure rather than external instructions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses structural visual differentiation (the folded upward configuration) to communicate the peeling method. The folded portion creates a distinct visual and tactile feature that naturally draws attention and guides users, serving as a non-verbal communication system that is more effective than text for the target demographic
Data Source
AI summary
A medicated patch is provided which is covered with a liner that enables one to remove the liner unconsciously and readily without losing the initial stickiness of the medicated patch. The external medicated patch includes a backing, an aqueous adhesive drug-containing matrix that is spread substantially entirely over one surface of the backing, and a liner that is larger in size than the surface of the drug-containing matrix to which the liner is attached. The liner larger in size than the surface of the drug-containing matrix to which the liner is attached includes an unattached area that extends from the surface of the drug-containing matrix, or an unattached slack portion that projects upward from the surface of the drug-containing matrix at a position on the surface of the drug-containing matrix.