Multi-Layer Artificial Substrate Mimicking Mammalian Skin Properties
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial substrates fail to accurately mimic the elasticity, compressibility, and appearance of mammalian skin, leading to unreliable product testing and consumer preference assessments, as they often exhibit undesirable characteristics such as 'bleeding' and uniform color, and cannot replicate the dynamic changes in skin properties over time.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered artificial substrate with specific thickness and hardness ranges, combined with coating materials that allow variation in surface energy and texture, mimicking the physical and chemical properties of different skin types, including elasticity and compressibility, to simulate various skin conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-layer artificial substrate is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accurately mimic the elasticity, compressibility, and appearance of mammalian skin
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial substrate is divided into three distinct layers (first layer with stratum corneum simulation, second layer with dermis simulation, and third layer with subcutaneous tissue simulation) to replicate the complex structure of real skin. Each layer has specific thickness ranges and material properties that correspond to actual skin layers, enabling accurate simulation of skin elasticity, compressibility, and appearance while maintaining manufacturability through standardized layering processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials with specific hardness ranges for each layer (first layer: 10-80 Shore A, second layer: 1-70 Shore OOO, third layer: 0-90 Shore D) to achieve the desired mechanical properties. This multi-material composite structure allows the substrate to simultaneously provide structural integrity, skin-like elasticity, and realistic compressibility that single-layer substrates cannot achieve.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coating materials are applied to vary surface energy and texture, then the surface properties can mimic different skin types, but the substrate complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies coating materials selectively to the first layer surface to create localized variations in surface energy and texture that mimic different skin types (wet, dry, young, aged skin). This localized modification approach allows the substrate to adapt to various testing requirements without requiring complete structural redesign, maintaining relative simplicity while achieving high versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting coating material composition and application parameters, the substrate can simulate different skin conditions and properties. This parameter-based control allows versatile skin type representation through chemical and physical property modifications rather than structural changes, balancing adaptability with manufacturing simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If consumer marketing tests with human panelists are conducted, then consumer preferences can be assessed, but the tests are expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a realistic artificial skin substrate that copies the essential physical and mechanical properties of human skin, including elasticity, compressibility, and surface characteristics. This copy can be used for preliminary product testing to assess consumer preference factors such as product feel, adherence, and performance without requiring actual human panelists, thereby reducing time and cost while maintaining assessment validity.
4Reliability
If cadaver or animal tissue is used as a skin model, then some product testing can be performed, but the tissue is costly and cannot truly mimic living human tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs synthetic polymer materials that can be manufactured at lower cost compared to cadaver or animal tissue. The artificial substrate can be produced, used for testing, and disposed of or regenerated without the ethical, logistical, and cost constraints associated with biological tissues. This approach provides reliable product testing capability while dramatically improving ease of manufacture and availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Substrate comprising a discrete first layer comprising a first surface, an opposing second surface and a polymeric first material, wherein the first layer has a thickness of from about 1 micron to about 1000 microns and a hardness of from about 10 to about 80 on the Shore A scale; a discrete second layer comprising a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a second material, wherein the second layer has a hardness of from about 1 to about 70 on the Shore OOO scale and a thickness of from about 0.001 cm to about 2.0 cm; a discrete third layer comprising a first surface and a third material, wherein the third layer has a hardness of from about 0 to about 90 on the Shore D scale; and wherein the second surface of the first layer is in substantially fixed and continuous contact with the first surface of the second layer; the second surface of the second layer is in substantially fixed and continuous contact with the first surface of the third layer; and wherein the ratio of the average thickness of the second layer to the average thickness of the third layer is from about 4:96 to about 25:75.