Modular Topical Patch Layout for Flexible Pain Relief Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing topical patches are often uncomfortable, inflexible, and unsuitable for smaller body parts, leading to dissatisfaction and ineffective pain relief due to peeling and lack of adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A modular topical patch system featuring hexagonal and triangular patches with common or complementary angles and dimensions, allowing for modular application and placement on various body parts to enhance flexibility and adhesion, preventing peeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large rectangular patch is used, then it covers large areas like the back, but it is too large and inflexible to fit around smaller joints like the ankle, fingers, knee, wrist or elbow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large patch into multiple smaller modular patches that can be used individually or combined. Each small patch can fit on smaller body parts, while multiple patches can be arranged to cover larger areas, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage area and adaptability to different body parts
Solution Approach 2:
The modular patches are designed to be universally applicable to various body parts through different arrangement patterns. The same set of patches can be configured for small joints individually or combined for larger areas, providing multi-functional adaptability across different application scenarios
2Reliability
If a commercially available topical patch is used, then it provides pain relief, but it peels or falls off during use and is uncomfortable to wear
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the patch system into multiple small modular patches, each patch has a smaller surface area that conforms better to body contours, reducing peeling. The segmented design also allows flexible placement and removal of individual patches, improving comfort and wearability while maintaining reliable adhesion
Solution Approach 2:
The patches are designed with flexible materials and thin film structures that adapt to body movements and contours, preventing peeling and falling off while maintaining comfort during daily activities and exercise
3Device complexity
If a single large patch is used, then it simplifies the application process, but it cannot adapt to different parts of the body that may be affected by pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patch system is segmented into standardized modular units with common dimensions and shapes. While the system contains multiple components, the standardization and modular design allow simple combination and arrangement, maintaining application simplicity while achieving high adaptability to different body parts through various configuration patterns
Data Source
AI summary
A modular topical patch system may include two or more topical patches that share a commonality to allow them to be affixed adjacent, parallel or in close proximity to one another on skin of a user to facilitate pain relief. The commonality may be a common dimension, a common angle, a complementary angle, a common shape and/or a complementary shape