Microstructured Medical Adhesive Articles for Skin Moisture Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current adhesive systems for medical articles suffer from inadequate moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), leading to moisture accumulation, adhesive detachment, and skin irritation, particularly in wearable devices with electronic components.

Innovation Solution

Adhesive articles with microstructured surfaces that allow fluid transport in the x-y direction through permanently designed channels, using pressure sensitive or gel adhesives, to manage moisture and prevent detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive systems use traditional smooth surfaces with standard MVTR, then manufacturing is simple and adhesive strength is maintained, but moisture accumulates between skin and adhesive causing float off and skin irritation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive durabilityVSAvoidmoisture accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive surface is segmented into multiple micro-channels distributed across the adhesive layer, creating a microstructured network that divides moisture transport pathways. This segmentation allows moisture to be channeled away from the skin-adhesive interface through the micro-channel network, preventing accumulation while maintaining adhesive integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layer incorporates a microstructured porous network with interconnected channels that provide pathways for moisture vapor transmission. The porous structure increases the effective surface area for moisture exchange and creates capillary forces that actively transport moisture away from the skin interface, resolving the contradiction between adhesive durability and moisture management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If adhesive systems increase MVTR to prevent moisture accumulation, then fluid management improves, but adhesive strength and bonding durability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture managementVSAvoidadhesive bonding strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The microstructured surface applies local quality changes by creating channels only in specific regions of the adhesive layer while maintaining intact adhesive bonding areas. The channels are strategically positioned to manage moisture flow without compromising the overall adhesive bond strength, allowing different regions of the adhesive to serve different functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive system combines traditional adhesive materials with microstructured surface features to create a composite structure. The microchannels are integrated into the adhesive layer through techniques such as embossing or co-extrusion, creating a composite material that simultaneously provides bonding strength and moisture management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Duration of action of stationary object

If adhesive systems are designed for extended wear time, then durability improves, but moisture trapping increases causing float off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive wear timeVSAvoidadhesive adherence

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The microchannel network provides continuous moisture transport pathways throughout the adhesive layer, ensuring that moisture is constantly channeled away from the skin interface during extended wear periods. This continuous action prevents moisture accumulation from building up over time, maintaining adhesive adherence throughout the extended wear duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The microstructured surface creates a feedback mechanism where moisture accumulation is continuously monitored and managed through the channel network. As moisture attempts to accumulate, the microchannels provide active pathways for its removal, creating a self-regulating system that maintains adhesive performance over extended periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances adhesive durability and reduces skin irritation by facilitating fluid management, maintaining adherence and preventing bacterial growth.

Implementation Method 1

The first major surface of the adhesive layer comprises a microstructured surface comprising channels, with at least one channel that extends to at least one boundary of the adhesive layer. The channels of the microstructured surface permits the transport of fluid.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS12453659B2Fluid-managing medical adhesive articles with microstructured surfaces

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

Adhesive constructions include a mammalian skin surface and an adhesive article in contact with the mammalian skin. The adhesive article includes a substrate and an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer in contact with the mammalian skin is a microstructured surface with channels. At least one channel extends to at least one boundary of the adhesive layer. The microstructured surface is a permanently microstructured surface, such that the channels in the surface of the adhesive layer permit transport of fluid.