Moisture-Permeable Patch Generating Microcurrents via Segmented Filaments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microcurrent therapy devices are impractical, expensive, and often cause short circuits due to intertwined copper and zinc filaments, requiring cumbersome manual application and limited therapeutic range, with complex structures prone to malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A patch with spaced copper and zinc filaments embedded in a moisture-permeable fabric, using colloidal silica to facilitate ion exchange and generate microcurrents upon application, allowing for easy application and widespread microcurrent production without the need for external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If copper and zinc filaments are intertwined to create galvanic cells, then microcurrent generation capability is improved, but short circuit risk increases due to filament contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the filament structure into separate, non-contacting copper and zinc filaments arranged in parallel within the fabric. This segmentation prevents direct contact between dissimilar metals while maintaining the galvanic cell function through electrolyte-mediated ion exchange, thereby eliminating short circuits while preserving microcurrent generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrolyte solution as an intermediary medium between the copper and zinc filaments. This electrolyte enables ion exchange and electrical current generation without requiring direct metal-to-metal contact, thus preventing short circuits while maintaining the galvanic potential difference necessary for microcurrent production.
2Area of stationary object
If manual application devices with strings and laces are used, then therapeutic area coverage is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical application systems (strings, laces, manual devices) with a simple adhesive-based attachment system. The patch is applied directly to the skin using adhesive strips, eliminating the need for manual manipulation devices while maintaining comprehensive therapeutic area coverage through the fabric's extensive surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible fabric substrate with adhesive coating that can be easily applied directly to the skin surface. This thin, flexible film structure provides broad therapeutic area coverage while being simple to apply and remove, replacing complex mechanical application devices with a user-friendly adhesive system.
3Ease of manufacture
If one-sized patches are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to fixed therapeutic range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic, adjustable patch system where the galvanic cell parameters (such as the distance between copper and zinc filaments) can be modified to change the therapeutic range. This allows the same basic patch design to adapt to different therapeutic needs by adjusting filament spacing or composition, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes in the patch design, particularly in the spacing and configuration of copper and zinc filaments. By adjusting these parameters during manufacturing, the therapeutic range of the patch can be optimized for different applications without requiring completely different patch designs, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving adaptability.
4Reliability
If conventional batteries and plugs are used in microcurrent devices, then power supply reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-powered system where the copper and zinc filaments themselves serve as the power source through galvanic potential difference. This eliminates the need for external batteries and plugs, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining power supply reliability through the inherent electrochemical properties of the filament materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex power supply components (batteries, plugs, power networks) from the device. By using the galvanic potential difference between copper and zinc filaments as the direct power source, the system achieves power supply reliability without the complexity and cost associated with conventional electrical power systems.
5Device complexity
If single galvanic cell patches are used, then device simplicity is improved, but therapeutic range is limited and concentrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal patch design where multiple galvanic cell units are integrated into a single fabric structure. This multi-functional patch can be applied to various body areas and configured for different therapeutic needs by adjusting filament arrangement, maintaining device simplicity while expanding therapeutic range and adaptability.
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 patch effectively generates consistent microcurrents and micro-magnetic fields, enhancing tissue recovery, pain relief, and skin elasticity, with improved safety and convenience compared to traditional devices.
Implementation Method 1
comprises a support (2) in fabric loaded with silica, in which electrodes (3a, 3b) in the form of filaments of copper and zinc are inserted spaced from one another, to create voltages typical of the galvanic piles and capable of producing micro-electrical currents
Implementation Method 2
in which the electrodes (3a, 3b) are inserted spaced from one another, to create voltages typical of the galvanic piles
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A patch is provided (1) able to produce micro-current to be applied on human skin comprising a support for electrodes (3a, 3b) spaced from each other and apt to create voltages typical of galvanic piles, connection means (5) between the electrodes (3a, 3b), an adhesive layer (4) applied on one side of the support and apt to adhere to the skin and a protection liner (7) applied on the adhesive layer (4), the support being a membrane (2) permeable to the moisture inside the electrodes (3a, 3b), and the connection means (5) being defined by a material that is avid of moisture, such as silica impregnating the membrane (2).