Oral Hydrating Patch With Flexible Matrix for Controlled Moisture Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for dry mouth conditions fail to address long-term hydration needs while ensuring user comfort, ease of use, and hygiene, with a focus on disposable and environmentally friendly products.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible and biodegradable hydrating patch with a flexible matrix and absorbent inset, composed of water-swellable fibrous protein and plant-based biomaterial, that absorbs and discharges moisture upon facial movement, providing prolonged hydration and antimicrobial benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid plastic shell with sponge is used to hold liquid in the mouth, then the liquid can be held and discharged at a controlled rate, but the device is uncomfortable for long-term wear and restricts user movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid plastic shell with a flexible hydrogel matrix that conforms to the oral cavity contours. This flexible matrix maintains liquid retention capability while allowing natural mouth movements and facial expressions without restriction, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the liquid-holding material from solid sponge to hydrogel, which allows the material to maintain shape and liquid retention while being soft and flexible. This parameter change in material state enables both reliable liquid discharge and user comfort.
2Reliability
If a disposable product is used to ensure hygiene during prolonged usage, then microbial growth is prevented, but the environmental impact increases and cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a biodegradable hydrogel matrix that can be safely disposed of after use. This approach maintains hygiene by allowing single-use disposal while reducing environmental impact through biodegradation, resolving the contradiction between reliability and environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite hydrogel materials that combine biocompatibility, biodegradability, and effective liquid retention properties. These composite materials enable the product to be disposed of safely in the environment while maintaining hygiene during usage.
3Reliability
If frequent recharging of hydrating devices is required to maintain hydration, then continuous moisture supply is ensured, but user convenience is reduced and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the hydrogel matrix with high liquid retention capacity that provides continuous moisture discharge over extended periods. This enables the device to maintain hydration without frequent recharging, resolving the contradiction between reliability and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel matrix is pre-saturated with liquid before insertion into the mouth. This preliminary action of pre-loading the device with adequate liquid volume allows it to function continuously without frequent interruptions for recharging.
4Duration of action of moving object
If a large volume of liquid is stored in the hydrating device to prolong usage time, then recharging frequency is reduced, but the device size increases and comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hydrogel matrix allows the device to maintain a thin, compact profile while holding adequate liquid volume. The flexibility enables the matrix to conform to oral spaces without requiring excessive volume, resolving the contradiction between duration of action and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel material's unique properties allow high liquid retention by volume, enabling the device to store sufficient moisture in a compact form factor that does not compromise oral comfort or require frequent recharging.
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 offers prolonged hydration, maintains oral hygiene, and ensures user comfort by slow moisture discharge, is reusable, and can be safely disposed of, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent inset which can absorb and retain a liquid
Implementation Method 2
The absorbent inset comprises a water swell-able fibrous protein and a plant based biomaterial which absorbs water
Implementation Method 3
When subjected to pressure, the absorbed liquid is discharged from the absorbent inset
Implementation Method 4
a sticking layer is provided on a first side of the biocompatible matrix. The biocompatible matrix with the absorbent inset is stuck to the buccal mucosa
Implementation Method 5
The inherent antimicrobial properties of the plant extract which gets eluted with discharged water ensures the oral hygiene
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hydrating patch. The hydrating patch (100) comprises a biodegradable and biocompatible absorbent inset (106). The absorbent inset (106) absorbs and retains a liquid, and discharge an absorbed liquid when pressed. The hydrating patch (100) also comprises a biocompatible matrix (102) which supports the absorbent inset (106). The biocompatible matrix (102) is flexible. To attach the biocompatible matrix (102) to a biological membrane, a sticking layer (110) is attached to the biocompatible matrix (102). The hydrating patch (100) can be attached in the oral cavity to alleviate dryness in a person having a dry mouth condition.