On-Demand Agent Dispensing Adhesive Patch for Continuous Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for disinfecting hands, such as using hand sanitizers or sanitizing stations, are inadequate due to the need for manual application and lack of immediate access, leading to insufficient frequency of use and limited protection against pathogens.
Innovation Solution
On-demand agent dispensing devices in the form of adhesive patches that provide controlled and prolonged dispensing of disinfectants or other agents, allowing for easy and continuous access without the need for manual application or carrying containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hand sanitizers or sanitizing stations are used, then disinfection can be performed, but immediate access is limited and manual application is required
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive patch is applied in advance to the user's hand or a frequently touched surface, pre-positioning the disinfectant source at the location where it will be needed. This eliminates the need to carry bottles or search for sanitizing stations throughout the day, as the disinfectant is already deployed at strategic locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch automatically dispenses disinfectant through passive diffusion or light pressure activation without requiring manual application. Once applied, the patch serves itself by continuously or periodically releasing disinfectant onto surfaces or hands, eliminating the need for repeated manual intervention.
2Reliability
If bottled disinfectants are carried and manually applied, then disinfection is possible, but the process is cumbersome and not utilized frequently enough
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the active disinfectant function from the cumbersome bottle-and-application process, isolating it into a simple adhesive patch that contains the disinfectant within its structure. The patch separates the storage, dispensing, and application functions into a single integrated component that requires minimal user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive patch is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that can be easily replaced. Each patch contains a sufficient amount of disinfectant for its intended lifespan (typically several days), after which it is discarded and replaced with a fresh patch, eliminating the need for refilling or maintenance of complex dispensing systems.
3Area of stationary object
If sanitizer stations are placed in high population spaces, then some disinfection coverage is achieved, but they remain scarce and do not provide continuous protection
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on a few large sanitizer stations, the invention segments the disinfection function into numerous small, distributed adhesive patches that can be placed on individual hands, phones, keyboards, doorknobs, and other frequently touched surfaces. This segmentation allows disinfection coverage to be distributed throughout the entire environment rather than concentrated in limited locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions disinfection from a stationary, location-based service (sanitizer stations in specific rooms) to a mobile, person-portable solution. By adhering patches to hands and personal items, the disinfection capability moves with the user across all environments, effectively adding the dimension of portability and personal mobility to the stationary sanitizer station concept.
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 devices ensure continuous and discreet disinfection, protecting the user and others by providing a reliable source of disinfectant on demand, enhancing hygiene and reducing pathogen transmission.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive layer configured to removably couple the patch to a surface
Implementation Method 2
at least one reservoir layer that is configured to absorb and retain the liquid or gelatinous agent therein
Implementation Method 3
at least one dispenser layer that overlies at least a portion of the at least one reservoir layer... configured to control a flow of the agent from the at least one reservoir layer upon compression of the patch in the thickness direction
Implementation Method 4
the at least one dispenser layer configured to inhibit evaporation of the agent
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides on-demand agent dispensing patches, kits and related methods. A flexible patch is configured to provide on-demand dispensing of the agent via compression of the patch. The patch comprises: an adhesive layer to removably couple the patch to a surface; at least one reservoir layer overlying the adhesive layer configured to absorb and retain the agent therein; at least one dispenser layer overlying the at least one reservoir layer comprising a plurality of solid portions and an array of a plurality of openings configured to inhibit evaporation of the agent and control a flow of the agent therefrom upon the compression of the patch; and at least one backer layer between the adhesive layer and the at least one reservoir layer being substantially impervious to the agent. The at least one reservoir layer may be void of the agent, which may be provided in a container.