Patch Adherence Verification via Thermochromic Resin and Solar Cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patch management methods, such as those described in Patent Document 1, face challenges in verifying if a patch has been correctly applied and changed according to a prescription, and their biosensor structures are overly complex.
Innovation Solution
A patch management method and device that utilize a temperature change detection system, where a thermochromic resin layer changes light transmittance upon body heat contact, generating an electromotive force detectable by a solar cell layer, which transmits a signal to determine if the patch is properly adhered, simplifying the structure and ensuring accurate adherence verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a biosensor is used to measure biological and chemical indicators in the patient, then the drug effect can be checked, but the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function needed for patch verification - detecting whether the patch is stuck - and removes the complex biosensor components. The solution uses a simple temperature sensor to detect body heat through the patch, thereby verifying adherence without measuring complex biological indicators, thus resolving the contradiction between verification reliability and structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable patch with an integrated simple temperature sensor instead of a complex reusable biosensor system. The patch includes a temperature detection unit that uses the patient's body heat to verify adherence, eliminating the need for complex biological measurement systems while maintaining verification reliability
2Loss of information
If a pulse generator is used to provide warnings to the patient, then the patient can be informed about patch exchange timing, but it cannot verify whether the patch is actually changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the temperature sensor continuously monitors whether the patch is adhered to the patient's body. When the patch is properly stuck, the sensor detects body heat and sends this information back to the external device, providing verification of adherence. This feedback loop resolves the inability to verify actual patch changes while maintaining simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patch performs self-verification of its own adherence status through the temperature sensor. The sensor automatically detects whether the patch is stuck by sensing body heat, and this information is transmitted externally without requiring complex verification systems, thus achieving verification with minimal device complexity
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
This method allows for straightforward and reliable judgment of patch adherence without the complexity of biosensors, ensuring compliance with prescription instructions and simplifying the patch device structure.
Implementation Method 1
a thermochromic resin layer changes light transmittance upon body heat contact
Implementation Method 2
generating an electromotive force detectable by a solar cell layer
Implementation Method 3
a sensor detecting a temperature change caused by sticking the patch to the individual
Data Source
AI summary
A management method of a patch for managing a sticking state of a patch with respect to an individual having a body temperature includes a step (1) of sticking the patch to the individual, a step (2) of detecting a temperature change caused by sticking the patch to the individual, and a step (3) of judging whether or not the patch is stuck to the individual based on a presence or absence of the temperature change.