Microneedle Patch Adhesive Orientation for Skin Stretching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microneedle arrays applied to the skin detach due to skin contraction when stretched, leading to inadequate drug delivery, as existing methods fail to maintain stable fixation and effective puncturing performance.
Innovation Solution
A microneedle patch is applied with an adhesive layer configuration where the adhesive force does not substantially work in the direction of skin stretching, ensuring the patch remains fixed by aligning wide adhesive layers differently from the stretching directions and adhering to a rigid flat plate to prevent skin contraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the skin is stretched by applying tension to improve skin-puncturing performance, then the puncturing performance is improved, but the microneedle array is detached due to skin contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layers are oriented perpendicular to the direction of skin stretching, changing the dimensional relationship between adhesive force direction and skin movement direction. This allows the adhesive to maintain fixation stability while the skin stretches in a different direction, resolving the contradiction between puncturing performance and fixation stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patch design incorporates adhesive layers with specific directional properties - wide adhesive layers are positioned and oriented to provide strong adhesion perpendicular to stretching direction, while minimizing adhesive work in the stretching direction. This local differentiation of adhesive properties allows simultaneous achievement of stable fixation and effective puncturing
2Stability of the object's composition
If the microneedle array is applied without stretching the skin, then the fixation is stable, but the puncturing performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting adhesive layers perpendicular to the stretching direction, the invention decouples the fixation stability from the stretching action. The adhesive maintains strong bonding in the perpendicular direction while allowing skin movement in the stretching direction, enabling both stable application and effective puncturing
3Strength
If adhesive layers are applied on both end portions of the microneedle array in the stretching direction, then the overall adhesion is strong, but the microneedle array is detached when skin contracts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates local quality differentiation in the adhesive layer distribution - wide adhesive layers are positioned to provide strong adhesion perpendicular to stretching, while adhesive presence or strength in the stretching direction is minimized or controlled. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall adhesion strength and resistance to detachment during skin contraction
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layers are strategically oriented and positioned to work perpendicular to the stretching direction rather than parallel to it. This dimensional reorientation allows strong adhesion where needed while preventing detachment during skin contraction in the stretching direction
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 method ensures stable puncturing performance and prevents microneedle array detachment, enabling quantitative drug administration by maintaining adhesion even as skin stretches and contracts.
Implementation Method 1
the adhesive force of the patch does not substantially work in a direction in which the skin is stretched
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method of applying a microneedle array, and a patch or an assistant tool used therefor. When skin is to be stretched and punctured with microneedles, the microneedle array can be prevented from detaching from the skin by providing adhesive layers, with the microneedle array therebetween, in a direction different from the direction in which the skin is stretched. Additionally, the application method can be appropriately implemented by producing a patch or an assistant tool having a rigid flat plate. As a result, the microneedle array can be punctured more accurately with less stress.